Stabenow, Peters Announce $47,620 for First Responders in Manistee

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today announced that the City of Manistee has been awarded $47,620 from the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). The funding can be used for professional training, personal protective equipment, modifications to facilities, and supplies that support firefighting and non-affiliated EMS operations and safety.

"Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep our families, homes, and communities safe," Senator Stabenow said. "These new resources will help the Manistee Fire Department buy the equipment they need to safely protect their community."

"Ensuring that first responders have the proper tools to effectively train and deal with emergencies is vital," said Senator Peters. "I applaud this funding, which will allow firefighters in Manistee to continue protecting their community with additional equipment."

The Department of Homeland Security's AFG Program awards grants directly to fire departments, non-affiliated Emergency Medical Services organizations (EMS), and state fire training academies to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel. Grants are awarded through a competitive process to applicants whose requests best address the priorities of the AFG Program. During FY 2014, approximately $305.4 million in grants will be rewarded. Since 2001, AFG has awarded nearly $6.1 billion in grants to first-responder organizations for equipment, training, and emergency vehicles.