Stabenow, Peters Announce Assistance for Northern Michigan Fire Departments

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today announced more than $99,000 in assistance for the Otsego County Fire Department and the Lake City Area Fire Department to fund professional training, upgrades to facilities, protective equipment and other supplies to improve operations and safety. The funding is awarded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.

"Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep our families, homes, and communities safe," said Senator Stabenow. "These new resources will help the Lake City and Otsego County Fire Departments safely protect their communities."

"Our firefighters and first responders put their lives on the line to protect our communities in dangerous situations, and we must ensure they have the training and equipment to do their jobs safely and effectively," said Senator Peters. "This assistance will help ensure the Otsego County and Lake City Area Fire Departments will be better prepared to help protect public safety when disaster strikes."

The Otsego County Fire Department will receive $44,286. The Lake City Area Fire Department in Missaukee County will receive $55,429.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Grants are awarded through a competitive process to fire departments, non-affiliated Emergency Medical Services organizations (EMS), and state fire training academies to enhance their ability to handle hazards efficiently and effectively. More information about the grant program can be found here.