NEWBURGH, N.Y. — The Newburgh Fire Department will be able to staff their department thanks to a federal grant.

Newburgh has had trouble finding the necessary funding for a number of firefighters.

Sen. Charles Schumer, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney announced Wednesday nine firefighters can be now be employed through a SAFER grant — totaling nearly $1.5 million.

That same grant expired back in July, forcing several layoffs. 

Newburgh received the money for the last two years.

In the past, the grant paid for 12 positions. This year the City Council voted to keep three firefighters on their payroll.

Political representatives say this funding is key to keeping residents safe and have a quick, effective response time in emergency situations.