Senators Stabenow, Peters Announce Over $1,700,000 Million in Support for the Sterling Heights Fire Department

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today announced that the Sterling Heights Fire Department will receive $ 1,766,993 in federal funding to hire new staff. This federal grant comes from the Department of Homeland Security's Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program.

"Our firefighters put their lives on the line to protect our families, homes, and communities," said Senator Stabenow. "These new resources will help the Sterling Heights Fire Department make sure there is always someone there to answer the call in an emergency."

“Ensuring that first responders across Michigan can do their jobs safely and effectively is not only essential to protecting our communities, but also integral to frontline Coronavirus response efforts,” said Senator Peters. “I am pleased that this grant will help the Sterling Heights Fire Department maintain staff and operations during this unprecedented crisis.”

“The Sterling Heights Fire Department is excited to receive this grant opportunity.  The grant will allow the fire department to hire 6 new firefighters, placing an additional response vehicle to be staffed daily.  The 6 new firefighters will increase each shift by two, improving our ability to have adequate staffing on the initial response to fires and other calls for assistance” said Edwin Miller, Assistant Fire Chief of the Sterling Heights Fire Department.

Eligible fire departments and Emergency Medical Services organizations in Michigan and across the country can apply Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program grants. These competitive grants help fire departments recruit new firefighters and retain current personnel. More information about the grant can be found here. 

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