Stabenow, Peters Announce Nearly $18,000 for Firefighters in Oceana County

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today announced that the Walkerville Area Fire & Rescue will receive $17,953 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program to support local operations and safety improvements. Grant projects will help fund training programs, update equipment and facilities and provide new supplies to help first-responders handle hazards efficiently and effectively.

"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 Walkerville Area Fire & Rescue buy the equipment they need to safely protect their community."

"When they enter emergency situations, our first responders and firefighters deserve to have the best training, equipment and facilities to keep our communities safe," said Senator Peters. "This funding will help ensure that firefighters and first responders in Walkerville are better prepared to protect our families and neighborhoods."

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. Approximately $305 million in grants will be awarded from FY 2014 funding. More information about the grant program can be found here.