Medford to Hire 8 New Firefighters

The Medford Fire Department has received a grant worth over $1 million that will allow it to hire eight new firefighters, according to an announcement from the city.

The grant will be enough to fund the eight new positions for two years, after that it will be up to the city to come up with funding.

Called a Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant, the funding comes through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Fire Chief Frank Giliberti applied for the grant on behalf of the city, according to a press release from Mayor Michael McGlynn. Medford was awarded $1.47 million.

The city hired seven new firefighters last week, bringing total staffing to 114. The eight new positions will bring the total to 122.

There are also plans to hire four new police officers, according to McGlynn's press release.