Congressman Cohen Announces $4.4 Million FEMA Grant
Funding will permit Memphis to hire 36 firefighter paramedics
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that the Memphis Fire Department will receive a $4,424,704 grant to hire 36 new firefighter paramedics. The grant addresses serious attrition in the paramedic ranks in recent years. The new paramedics will be used to staff ambulances with Advanced Life Support (ALS) first responder companies that are currently filled using overtime. The grant anticipates paramedics receiving $66,437 a year, including $15,331 in benefits.
Congressman Cohen made the following statement:
"One of my top priorities is to bring federal funds to the district to create more jobs. The Memphis Fire Department has undergone some serious staffing shortages since the 2008 financial crisis that resulted in the city temporarily stopping pension contributions as well as a 2014-2016 hiring freeze. This substantial grant will allow our first responders to meet our critical emergency needs without the added expense and inconvenience of overtime pay. This is very good news for the Department and for Memphis."