The Dade County Board of Commissioners has approved Resolution R-40-25, authorizing the county to apply for a public safety grant through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The decision came during the board’s October workshop meeting.
If awarded, the grant would fund equipment designed to strengthen the county’s emergency response capabilities and improve safety for both first responders and residents. The Firehouse Subs Foundation provides competitive grants nationwide to fire departments, EMS units, law enforcement agencies, and other emergency organizations in need of essential tools and resources.
Chairman Don Townsend said the opportunity fits well with the county’s ongoing efforts to enhance emergency services while managing costs responsibly.
“This grant application doesn’t require local matching funds,” Townsend said. “If awarded, it will allow us to obtain critical public safety equipment without placing additional burden on taxpayers.”
Commissioner Phillip Hartline voiced support for pursuing outside funding whenever possible.
“We want to take advantage of every opportunity to bring external resources into Dade County,” Hartline said. “These kinds of grants help us keep our responders well equipped and our citizens protected.”
Commissioner Bob Woods agreed, calling grant partnerships an example of smart fiscal management.
“Any time we can secure equipment through grants instead of local revenue, that’s a win for the community,” Woods said.
Following the board’s approval, county staff will complete and submit the grant application, with results expected later this year.
Townsend expressed appreciation for the ongoing collaboration between Dade County Emergency Services and the Board of Commissioners.
“We’re grateful for our public safety teams,” he said. “This resolution is one more way we can support their mission to serve and protect our residents.”