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GARY, Ind. – The City of Gary has been awarded more than $6.2 million in federal funding through FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant program to support the hiring of additional firefighters and strengthen emergency response across the city.
The investment will help the Gary Fire Department expand staffing, improve response capacity, and provide residents with a more reliable public safety presence in neighborhoods throughout the community. By adding more personnel, the department will be better positioned to respond to fires, medical emergencies, severe weather events, and other urgent calls for service when residents need help most.
“This $6.2 million investment from FEMA is a tremendous victory for the City of Gary and a crucial step in strengthening our Fire Department,” said Mayor Eddie Melton. “Our firefighters represent the hardworking spirit of our community, stepping up every day to protect our neighborhoods. By allowing us to significantly expand our ranks and put more boots on the ground, this grant strengthens our ability to handle emergencies, support crisis recovery, and keep our residents safe.”
For residents, the impact of this funding will be felt in practical and meaningful ways: stronger staffing levels, improved readiness, and a more dependable emergency response system. The grant supports Gary’s continued work to build a safer, more resilient city where families, seniors, businesses, and neighborhoods can count on timely, professional service from first responders.
“This grant gives us the opportunity to strengthen our fire service where it matters most — on the front lines,” said Gary Fire Chief Larry Tillman II. “Additional firefighters mean greater coverage, improved reliability, and a stronger ability to protect lives and property across the City of Gary. Our residents deserve a Fire Department that is prepared, responsive, and ready every day, and this investment helps us continue building that level of service.”
The funding comes as the City continues investing in public safety infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and neighborhood-level service delivery. With additional staffing, the Gary Fire Department will be able to better support day-to-day emergency response while also improving the city’s ability to respond to large-scale incidents, including storms, fires, hazardous conditions, and other community emergencies.
The City of Gary expressed appreciation to FEMA for recognizing the importance of investing in local emergency services and for supporting the men and women who serve residents every day. City leaders emphasized that a stronger Fire Department not only improves emergency response, but also helps build confidence, stability, and quality of life across the community.
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