Ketchikan, Alaska, is a coastal city, surrounded by thick forests and only reachable by boat or plane. Fire safety here isn’t just a task; it’s essential. With limited resources and growing demands, the Ketchikan Fire Department (KFD) has taken a significant step forward. They secured a federal grant, changing how the city handles fire safety and helping it prepare for unique challenges. This funding makes it possible for the department to improve its response, keeping the community safer.
The city has just over 8,000 residents, many of whom live in older homes spread across the island. Some areas are difficult to reach during the winter months. Fires can spread quickly, and when they do, help may take longer to arrive. It’s not due to a lack of effort from firefighters but because of stretched resources.
The Ketchikan Fire Department has 26 members, including full-time and part-time staff. It handles a variety of calls, including structure fires, medical emergencies, rescues and more. These dedicated professionals are proud of their work. However, one area they knew they could improve was fire prevention.
Chief Rick Hines saw an opportunity to do more before fires ever started. He wanted someone to focus on inspecting buildings, educating the public and providing smoke alarms to homes that couldn’t afford them.
The department applied for a Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant through FEMA, and it was approved. The grant allowed the department to hire a full-time fire inspector and educator, pay for their training and purchase 100 smoke alarms for distribution. This funding has helped the Ketchikan Fire Department take a major step in improving fire safety across the city.
This New Role Means Change
Not every fire can be avoided. But many can. A working smoke alarm can give someone time to get out. A simple checkup can catch a hazard before it turns into an emergency. A school visit might teach a child how to respond if they smell smoke. These are small actions, but they add up.
The person hired under this grant will work in homes, schools and businesses. They will check alarms, teach fire safety and support families who might not know where to begin. The work will be hands-on, local and face-to-face.
Chief Hines put it simply: “This is about prevention. This is about getting ahead of the problem instead of waiting for it.”
Writing the Grant Took Effort
Ketchikan partnered with Lexipol to make the application as clear and complete as possible. Lexipol supported the department by organizing data, framing the request, and aligning it with FEMA’s expectations. That helped the city stand out in a competitive process.
The funding didn’t come from luck. It came from planning, partnerships, and a strong story backed by real need.
Other Cities Can Do This Too
Smaller communities often don’t think they’ll be selected for federal grants. But Ketchikan shows it’s possible. Here are some lessons:
- Be direct. Say what you need and why.
- Keep the focus on people. Who are you trying to help?
- Use clear language. Avoid technical writing when it’s not needed.
- Share facts but tell a story. What problems are you solving?
- Ask for help. Groups like Lexipol can walk you through the process.
This isn’t about building a bigger department. It’s about building trust. When firefighters are in the community before a 911 call, they become more than responders. They become educators. They become a resource.
Ketchikan is now doing both — responding to emergencies and working to prevent them. That’s a win for everyone. It started with a clear need, a smart plan and a grant that made it possible.
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