Peters, Stabenow Announce Support for Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Fire and Rescue Department

U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced that the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Fire and Rescue Department will receive $193,816 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program to help hire two new full-time firefighter EMTs.

“The community depends on the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Fire and Rescue Department to protect their homes, businesses and loved ones during an emergency,” said Senator Gary Peters. “This critical new funding will allow the department to hire two new full-time first responders so the department can more efficiently serve the community.”

“Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect our families, homes, and communities,” said Senator Stabenow. “These resources will help Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Fire and Rescue make sure there is always someone there to answer the call in an emergency.”

“The SAFER grant will increase capacity at the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians (GTB) Fire Department with two additional Firefighter II/EMT positions,” said Mary Pelcher, Tribal Manager. “The increased capacity will allow GTB Fire Department to address tribal community needs of emergency response and conduct regular fire drills in tribal schools, daycare, and governmental facilities, as well as provide the tribal community with pertinent educational and training programs. It will also allow GTB Fire Department to promote an active working relationship between local, state, and federal agencies.”

The SAFER Program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The purpose of the program is to ensure that fire departments nationwide are fully staffed and equipped to strengthen the nation’s overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards.