Warren fire department waiting for grant to pay 20 firefighters - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

WARREN, Ohio - Warren's fire department is still waiting to find out if a grant that covers the pay of 20 firefighters is coming their way.

The department applied for the federal grant in August and has yet to hear if it's been approved.

Two years ago the department was awarded a $5 million staffing grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Fire Chief Ken Nussle says they at least hoping for an extension of $2 million.

If it's not approved, 20 of the city's firefighters could be laid off.

"We have come up with contingency plans in the even that we have fewer personnel, but we remain optimistic," Nussle said.

While he's expecting to hear either way regarding the grant or grant extension between now and as late as February, Nussle says safety is still a top priority.

"Our main goal is the safety of our residents, the safety of our firefighters and we want to deploy the staffing as safely as possible. Our goal is to keep all of our stations open," Nussle said.

Nussle believes the Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency is holding up the process as they respond to relief efforts following Hurricane Sandy.