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ELMIRA, N.Y. -- The Elmira Fire Department has gotten some good news. They've been awarded more than $500,000 from the federal government.

The SAFER Grant will be used to hire four additional firefighters. It's a two year package which will help keep overtime costs down for the city.

With the addition of the firefighters, Elmira's busiest station, Station 5 on Roe Avenue, will now be fully equipped.

"High percentage of the time we'll be able to keep four on that rig which is the recommended number. We run with three due to the erosion of numbers but having that fourth man makes a big difference, with four firefighters makes a big difference in the operation," said Patrick Bermingham, Elmira Fire Department Chief.

The grant money will kick in this coming March when the department starts looking for the additional firefighters.