2018 was a busy year for the Culver City Fire Department, with a record number of responses. In fact, 6,791 responses took place that year, which worked out to be a 20% increase over responses in 2016. Such a surge in demand has created a need for more firefighters within the Culver City Real Estate area, and Martin Feinberg, Realtor, was pleased to learn that the city has agreed to the terms of a SAFER grant designed to help meet that need.

Culver City Mayor Meghan Sahli-Wells stated, “I’m pleased to announce that on Monday, October 14, the City Council unanimously voted in favor of accepting the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant award of $1,543,122!  The SAFER grant will help our Fire Department improve its staffing and deployment capabilities in order to respond to emergencies more safely and effectively.”

According to Culver City Fire Chief David White, “The SAFER grant will help defray the costs of adding six new firefighters to the department and put a much-needed third paramedic rescue ambulance into service.  We are extremely grateful for the support of our community, the Mayor and City Council. The total number of operational career personnel will increase to 60 members, and the department’s daily staffing will grow from 18 to 20 members.”

“This marks the first time since 1981 the Department has increased its daily frontline staffing,” Chief White added.

The SAFER grant covers 75% of the salary and benefits for any new firefighters in years one and two and 35% of the costs in year three. The grant requires a three-year commitment from the city.

Local listing agent Martin Feinberg notes that the Culver City Fire Department was founded in 1927 and has “a mission to protect life, property and the environment by providing prompt and professional fire protection and life safety services.”

The Department has an ISO Class 1 Rating and has been accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International for the past 21 years.