LOMPOC, Calif. - The Lompoc Fire Department is getting six new firefighters. A federal grant will help pay for the new jobs.
The department was turned down for a grant last year but new Fire Chief Kurt Latipow re-applied this past summer. After 6 months of waiting, he got some good news.
"I was hoping it would come in before Christmas, but you know what? It's ok," says Latipow.
Latipow was notified by FEMA that the department's application for a federal grant was accepted. The 2-year grant worth over $1 million will fund 6 new firefighter positions.
"It increases our safety because we are able now to have an adequate number of firefighters on scene right away," says Latipow.
The department has 90 days to make the 6 new hires. According to Latipow, city council must agree to accept the grant at the January 8th meeting. The council will then have to make budget adjustments to accommodate the extra salaries as well as new equipment purchases.
Asked if the additional staffing will create any space issues in the two small fire stations, Latipow hinted that it could.
"It will be a little bit of squeezing in to say the least," Latipow said.
Cal Poly architecture students will be designing a new fire station for Lompoc, but having the project approved is another story. The new hiring grant could make a new station a necessity now.
"The city recognized we do need to start moving in that direction," said Latipow.
Latipow says the added manpower will allow for more frequent and thorough fire inspections at local businesses.
Justin Barrick, a hotel manager in Lompoc, likes that possibility.
"My guest safety and employee safety is my number one concern," says Barrick. "So anything they can find to help make my business better, I'm all for that."
According to Latipow, 45 applicants will start interviewing for the positions on January 22nd.
