Peters, Stabenow Announce Fire Prevention Investment for Wayne County Fire Departments

U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced that two Wayne County fire departments will receive $140,211 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program. The City of Wayne Fire Department will receive $14,972 to train officers in fire inspection, and the Westland Fire Department will receive $125,239 to purchase and install smoke alarms in senior and low income homes.

“Investing in local fire prevention efforts goes a long way toward saving lives during emergencies,” said Senator Peters. “With this funding, the City of Wayne Fire Department and the Westland Fire Department can continue their important work to ensure their communities have the resources they need to stay safe during fire emergencies.”

“Our firefighters in Wayne County put their lives on the line to protect our families and homes,” said Senator Stabenow. “Prevention is key and these resources will help save lives and the treasured possessions of so many families.”

“With this grant, the Westland Firefighters will be able to help provide safer homes for the community’s most vulnerable residents,” said Mayor William R. Wild, City of Westland. “On behalf of the City of Westland, I’d like to thank Senator Peters and Senator Stabenow for their help in securing these important life-saving funds.”

“Smoke alarms and other fire prevention efforts are critical to saving lives,” said Fire Chief Michael Stradtner, Westland Fire Department. “This grant will enable us to purchase smoke detectors and develop a program to assist our seniors and low income families with new smoke detector installation to ensure they have working smoke detectors in their homes.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grants program has positively affected public safety by providing nearly $7.3 billion since 2001 for fire prevention and safety equipment.

Eligible fire departments and Emergency Medical Services organizations in Michigan and across the country can apply for Assistance to Firefighters Grants. These competitive grants help first responders purchase the equipment and obtain the training needed to handle fire-related hazards. More information about the grant can be found at http://www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program.