Senators Stabenow, Peters Announce Support for 20 West Michigan Fire Departments

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters announced a $497,160 regional award for 20 fire departments in West Michigan to help purchase equipment. This grant comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants program.

“Our firefighters and first responders in West 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.”

“West Michigan communities depend on firefighters to protect their families, businesses and homes,” said Senator Peters. “This critical funding will provide the region with upgraded equipment so firefighters can more effectively and efficiently do their jobs.”

The regional award will provide funding for the following departments to purchase mechanical chest compression units to assist in CPR:

• The Albion Department of Public Safety will receive a $13,810 grant to purchase one unit.
• The Athens Fire Department will receive a $13,810 grant to purchase one unit.
• The Battle Creek Fire Department will receive an $110,480 grant to purchase eight units.
• The Bedford Charter Township Fire Department will receive a $41,430 grant to purchase three units.
• The Burlington Township Volunteer Fire Department will receive a $13,810 grant to purchase one unit.
• The Emmett Charter Township Department of Public Safety will receive a $27,620 grant to purchase two units.
• The Fredonia Township Fire Department will receive a $27,620 grant to purchase two units.
• The Homer Fire Department will receive a $13,810 grant to purchase one unit.
• The Leroy Township Fire Department will receive a $13,810 grant to purchase one unit.
• The Marengo Township Fire Department will receive a $13,810 grant to purchase one unit.
• The Marshall Fire Department will receive a $13,810 grant to purchase one unit.
• The Marshall Township Fire Department will receive a $13,810 grant to purchase one unit.
• The Newton Township Fire Department will receive a $13,810 grant to purchase one unit.
• The Sheridan Township Fire Department will receive a $13,810 grant to purchase one unit.
• The Springfield Fire Department will receive a $13,810 grant to purchase one unit.
• The Tekonsha Fire Department will receive a $13,810 grant to purchase one unit.
• The Climax Township Fire Department will receive a $13,810 grant to purchase one unit.
• The Galesburg Charleston Fire Department will receive a $13,810 grant to purchase one unit.
• The Springport/Clarence Township Fire Department will receive a $13,810 grant to purchase one unit.
• The Marshall Area Fire Fighters Ambulance Authority will receive an $82,860 grant to purchase six units.

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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