Hood River Fire & EMS has received $384,025 in grant funding from the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office to staff an additional firefighter.  The grant will partially cover the new position’s salary over the course of three years – 90% in the first year, 75% in the second, and 50% in the third year.  The City would be responsible for paying the full salary beginning in the fourth year.  The money is awarded through the Oregon Fire Service Capacity Grant, a program designed to provide funding for small and medium-sized Oregon fire agencies, and to encourage an increase in permanent local firefighter staff.  Hood River Fire Chief Leonard Damian says the additional staff member will allow the department to more quickly respond to emergency service requests.  The Hood River City Council this week approved accepting the grant money.  The City will recruit for the position once the funds are received.