Senators Stabenow, Peters Announce Over $500,000 in Support for the Bedford Township Fire Department

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today announced that the Bedford Township Fire Department will receive $536,071 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program to hire four firefighters for a three year period. This funding will support the hiring and retention of firefighters and volunteer firefighters and allow the Bedford Township Fire Department to increase their advanced life support service at all hours.

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

“First responders help make our communities a better place to live, work and raise a family,” said Senator Peters. “These resources will give Bedford Township Fire Department the additional personnel needed to respond to emergencies whenever they strike.”

“We are extremely grateful for the grant awarded to the department,” said Adam Massingill, Chief of the Bedford Township Fire Department. “It allows us to continue to improve upon the service we currently provide to the residents and visitors in Bedford Township.”

Eligible fire departments in Michigan and across the country can apply for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grants. These competitive grants provide money to ensure that departments are appropriately staffed with qualified professional and volunteer firefighters. More information about the grant can be found at http://www.fema.gov/staffing-adequate-fire-emergency-response-grants.