Stabenow, Levin Announce Support for Michigan Bureau of Fire Services

The Michigan Bureau of Fire Services in Lansing will receive a federal grant from the Department of Homeland Security to help increase public safety through training activities for emergency personnel, U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin announced today.

The Fire Fighter Training Division of the bureau will receive a $425,000 grant from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, part of the Department of Homeland Security.

"Our firefighters provide courageous services all across Michigan," Stabenow said. "This grant will help make sure they have the resources they need to perform their duties safely and protect the public."

"Firefighters and emergency medical personnel stand ready every day to respond to fires and other emergencies," Levin said. "Top-notch training is essential for them to succeed in their vital mission of protecting lives and property in their communities. Fire departments across Michigan will benefit from the training opportunities this grant will help to provide."

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program allows fire departments across the country to compete for federal grant money in several categories. The award announced today is from the State Fire Training Academies program, which helps states enhance public safety through activities such as training for emergency personnel, efforts to improve interoperability, and acquiring firefighting vehicles and equipment for training purposes.

More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program can be found at www.fema.gov/firegrants.