PHOENIX - The Phoenix Fire Department is asking the federal government to show them the money.

The Arizona Republic reports the fire department is asking for $6.8 million to hire 42 firefighters by next year, before the city's hiring freeze could begin to affect response times.

City officials say they need the money to meet minimum staffing requirements.

Fire officials say the department has an authorized force of about 1,750 positions.

Because of attrition, the fire department is currently working with 154 vacant positions.

A year ago, Phoenix applied for the same federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant, known as SAFER, when it faced about $19 million in cuts. The city was turned down in its request.

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Information from: The Arizona Republic, http://www.azcentral.com

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