Saratoga Springs has found out it will receive federal grant money allowing the city to add more firefighters. The funding was announced Thursday at a press conference. Our own C.J. Spang has more.

  To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- "I was the first chief in history to ever have to go through layoffs, so that was not a great thing to do. It's been difficult year so it's great. The tide has turned, at least for us," said Saratoga Springs Fire Chief Robert Williams.

Williams can bring back those seven eliminated jobs, thanks to a $663,000 grant from the Department of Homeland Security's SAFER program, which will increase the number of fire fighters from 46 to 53. U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, who's running for re-election, says it's a win for everyone involved.

"This is a common sense investment, in people's safety, in people's jobs and in making sure that the tax base stays good here and taxes don't go up," Schumer said.

Bob DeCelle was one of those seven laid off fire fighters. He says he's been doing various part-time jobs in the meantime and is excited to get his old job back.

"I've been waiting for this day nine months now. Again, having a child on the way in December, is definitely good news for my family. It will be great to get back to work. I was born and raised in Saratoga, so it'll be nice to get back to work and just do the things I love to do and help the community," DeCelle said.

But this almost didn't happen. Chief Williams says just a few days ago, the city was slated to miss out on the funding again.

"We actually were turned down first. We got a letter saying, 'Thanks, but no thanks.' We didn't meet the conditions and stuff. I'm not really sure what happened after that, but 10 days ago, we got a letter saying, 'You're being reconsidered and good for you,' and once we get a letter like that we know there's a pretty good chance we're going to get it," said Williams.

The department still has one hurdle to clear before getting the money. The city council needs to approve the funding in its next meeting on September 7th, although that's expected to happen. But the city could have some decisions to make again the near future, because the money only covers two years of costs.

"Beyond that, we don't know where the economy is going, but even the nay sayers believe that within two years, we'll have a turnaround in the national economy. So hopefully things will continue to get better and we won't have to look at layoffs in the future," said Saratoga Springs Mayor Scott Johnson.

Some of those seven fire fighters that were laid off are coming back to the department, while others have taken jobs elsewhere. But Chief Williams says the plan is to fill all the positions as soon as possible.