Senators Stabenow, Peters Announce over $1.2 Million in Support for Michigan Firefighters and First Responders

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today announced over $1.2 million for Michigan firefighters and first responders to help purchase equipment. This grant comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants program.

The Waterford Regional Fire Department will receive an award for $86,164. The Farmington Public Safety Department will receive an award for $13,143. The Port Huron Department of Public Safety-Fire Division will receive an award for $21,252. The North Oakland County Fire Authority will receive an award for $202,791. The Ypsilanti City Fire Department will receive an award for $56,000. The West Bloomfield Township Fire Department will receive an award for $186,364. The South Haven Area Emergency Services Authority will receive an award for $398,182. The Cannon Township Fire Department will receive an award for $32,854. The Posen Area Fire and Rescue will receive an award for $66,071. The Bruce Township Fire Department will receive an award for $88,096. The Arcadia Township Fire Department will receive an award for $72,000.

“Our firefighters in 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.”

“Michigan’s firefighters serve their communities each day with courage, integrity, and pride,” said Senator Peters. “I am very pleased that this grant will help ensure these brave men and women have the tools and training they need to protect themselves as they respond to emergencies.”

"On behalf of the Cannon Township Fire Department, I would like to extend our appreciation to FEMA and U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, for approving a grant to be used in the purchase of 10,200 feet of large and small diameter hose," said Jim Morris, Cannon Township Fire Chief. "The grant will allow us to continue to provide safe and effective response to the residents of Cannon Township and the surrounding communities."

The grant enables Cannon Township to replace 50-60% of a fire hose which has been worn out and is not in compliance with the current National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. Hoses are often an overlooked piece of equipment, but critical component of every fire ground. Only 8% of Cannon Township falls within a hydrant district. This grant will help in providing greater reach in the local hydrant district, but also the non-hydrant districts where often times firefighters experience long hose lays over 1,000 feet to get water to the scene of a structure fire.

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.

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