Stabenow, Peters Announce Assistance for Southeast Michigan Fire Departments

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today announced that the Brighton Area Fire Authority, the Milan Area Fire Department, the Superior Township Fire Department, the Dearborn Heights Fire Department and Center Line Public Safety were awarded assistance to improve operations and safety and support regional projects to improve emergency response services. The funding comes through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.

The Brighton Area Fire Authority will receive $86,204; the Milan Area Fire Department will receive $33,334; and Center Line Public Safety will receive $146,063 in operations and safety funding for professional training, personal protective equipment and other supplies to support firefighting. The Superior Township Fire Department will receive $321,828, and the Dearborn Heights Fire Department will receive $613,410 in AFG regional grants to aid emergency responders, including firefighters and emergency medical services, operating in multiple jurisdictions.

"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 Southeast Michigan 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 fire departments across Southeast Michigan be better prepared to help protect public safety when disaster strikes."

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.