Peters, Stabenow Announce Over $320,000 of Support for West Michigan Fire Departments

U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced that two fire departments in West Michigan will receive $328,583 in funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants program.

Montcalm County Emergency Services has been awarded $154,773 to purchase ten Automatic Compression Devices (ACD) that will provide First Responders with another set of hands when treating a patient. The Allegan Fire District has been awarded $173,810 to purchase 24 new air bottles and 24 new self-contained breathing apparatuses.

“Firefighters and first responders safeguard our homes, families and business,” said Senator Peters. “The new resources provided by this grant will allow Montcalm County Emergency Services and Allegan Fire District to purchase new equipment that will allow their firefighters and first responders to effectively and safely respond to emergencies.”

“Our firefighters in West Michigan put their lives on the line to protect our families and homes,” said Senator Stabenow. “Thanks to these new resources, these brave men and women will have the equipment they need to help them do their jobs more safely and effectively.”

“High Quality CPR may mean the difference between life or death when a patient suffers from cardiac arrest,” said Brandon Mulnix, Montcalm County EMS Supervisor. “In rural settings, our First Responders may have to do CPR for extended periods of times by themselves. The Automatic Compression Device will provide high quality CPR making the interventions of Advanced Life Support more effective and help save lives.”

“The funding provided by this grant will help our fire district purchase new self-contained breathing apparatuses and air bottles so every firefighter has the equipment they need to safely do their jobs,” said Jon Cook, Chairman of the Allegan Fire District Board of Directors. “Thank you to FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security for providing the much needed equipment to keep our firefighters safe.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grants program has positively affected public safety by providing nearly $7.3 billion since 2001 for infrared cameras, personal protective gear, hazmat detection devices, improved breathing apparatuses, and interoperable communications systems. This equipment is critical to ensuring the safety of firefighters as they respond to emergencies and protect our communities. 

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.