Peters, Stabenow Announce Over $530,000 for the Berrien Springs-Oronoko Township Fire Department

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) today announced that the Berrien Springs-Oronoko Township Fire Department will receive $531,428 in federal funding to improve operations and safety for firefighters and personnel. This federal grant comes from the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.

“It is critical that firefighters and first responders have the resources necessary to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Senator Peters, Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “I am pleased to announce this grant, which will provide important equipment upgrades so that first responders can continue operations and respond to emergencies.”

“Our firefighters in Berrien Springs-Oronoko Township put their lives on the line to protect our families, homes, and communities,” said Senator Stabenow. “These new resources will help keep the public safe and give our first responders the equipment they need to do their jobs more safely and effectively.”

“This grant will allow everyone in the county including our fire and ambulance services to upgrade to 800 MHz radios which are far superior to what we were using. This is going to be a huge help to protect our taxpayers,” said Doug Myers, Chief, Berrien Springs-Oronko Township Fire Department.

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/firegrants.

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