KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Osceola County was recently granted millions in federal funding from Homeland Security, and with the county's growing population, it's money leaders say will help fill a public safety gap. 

What You Need To Know

  • Osceola County was recently awarded a $5.44 million federal grant

  • The money will be used to hire 21 new firefighters

  • The firefighters will be for Fire Station 67, which breaks ground in December

The county was approved for a $5.44 million SAFER Grant. County Commissioner Ricky Booth said the grant will be used to employ 21 new firefighters, mainly for fire station 67. Fire station 67 is the new station that will be built next to Austin-Tindall Park in Kissimmee. 

Booth said that with the grant the county will be able to re-purpose some funds for their capital plan to create additional fire stations in Poinciana and on the west side. 

“Our call volume has increased 40% in the past few years, so it's drastically needed to have additional people to better serve the community,” said George Slack, a Battalion Chief for Osceola County Fire Rescue. 

Slack said homeowners near station 67 (Boggy Creek) can expect a reduction in insurance rates and faster response times. 

Groundbreaking for Fire Station 67 will happen in December, and a year from now construction is expected to be completed.