NORWICH – The Norwich Fire Department will add back one full-time position to its workforce thanks to federal grant funds recently accepted by members of the Common Council.

Last week, the Common Council unanimously adopted a resolution favoring acceptance of an amended grant administered through FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program.

The SAFER grant will fund one currently vacant firefighter position for a period of two years, saving city taxpayers nearly $195,000 and bringing the fire department back up to 15 full-time employees. Funds will pay both salary and fringe benefits such as health insurance and retirement contributions.