SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The South Bend Fire Department learned Friday it received a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The department will receive $356,714 over the next three years.

The department will be able to hire three new employees because of the grant.

“This grant brings more jobs to South Bend and further strengthens our fire department. This added funding will help the SBFD continue to keep our community safe. Congratulations to Chief Cox and the entire department,” said Mayor Buttigieg in a press release announcing the grant.