By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
- • The City of Clovis, New Mexico, will hire six firefighters earlier than planned after receiving a $2 million federal SAFER grant.
- • The grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will help fund the positions over three years with a local cost share rising from 25 % to 65 %.
- • New hires are scheduled to start training in March and join operational squads by May 1, 2026.
- • Clovis has faced challenges meeting response goals amid population growth and staffing shortages.
- • City officials also plan to use Measure Y sales tax revenue for related staffing and equipment support.
CLOVIS, NM — The City of Clovis will accelerate firefighters hiring efforts after receiving a $2 million federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant, officials said Jan. 9.
JOHN WALKER/TNS
The grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will partially fund six new firefighter positions intended to strengthen emergency response capabilities. Clovis Fire Chief Chris Ekk said the department will hire the firefighters beginning March 23, 2026, with training completed by April 30 and operational staffing expected by May 1.
Under the three-year grant, the city’s local cost share is set at 25 % for the first two years and increases to 65 % in the third year, with about $140,000 planned from the General Fund in the first year.
Clovis has struggled to expand its workforce quickly enough to meet the demands of a growing population. Preliminary 2025 data shared with the City Council showed average emergency response times exceeding departmental goals.
Voters approved a 1 % sales tax, known as Measure Y, in 2025 to generate revenue for public safety and other operational needs. Officials said part of that revenue will support promotions, equipment purchases and supervisor staffing as the department grows.
Officials said the newly funded squad positions will remain after the grant period ends, with the city fully funding the roles beyond the initial three years.