Porterville Fire Department Awarded $1.5M Federal Grant

Press Release

Today, the Porterville Fire Department was awarded a $1.5 million federal grant by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist in the hiring of more frontline firefighters. Earlier this year, Congressman Kevin McCarthy sent a letter to the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas in support of this funding.

McCarthy released the following statement:

"Porterville was rocked to its core last year following the Library Fire where we tragically lost two heroes in our community, Fire Capt. Ray Figueroa and Firefighter Patrick Jones. Ensuring that Porterville has the necessary resources it needs to protect our first responders will continue to be my priority.

"This federal funding will help the Porterville Fire Department hire six additional firefighters as well as assist with retention and recruitment efforts, and I was proud to support the Department's request."

Porterville City Fire Department, Fire Chief Dave LaPere offered the following statement: "I want to thank Congressman McCarthy for helping us through his letter of support, which I'm sure was a contributing factor in approval. It has been a team effort of the Congressman and his staff, City Council and the City Manager, and my Deputy Chief Byran Cogburn who oversees our grant programs. We are confident that the addition of these six new firefighters will increase response times and provide for greater firefighter safety. Again, thank you so much for your support!"

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