Stabenow, Peters Announce Over $1.3 Million in Support of Fire Departments in Southeast Michigan

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today announced $1,332,004 for fire departments in 5 communities across Southeast Michigan to upgrade outdated equipment and recruit new firefighters. These grants include $471,838 for the City of Northville, $443,106 for the City of Auburn Hills, $254,545 for Northville Township, $113,334 for Hazel Park, and $49,181 for the City of Roseville. These grants come from both the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants program.

"Our firefighters in Southeast Michigan put their lives on the line to protect our families, homes, and communities," said Senator Stabenow. "These new resources will provide critical training and give our first responders the equipment they need to better serve the public and do their jobs more safely and effectively.”

“Michigan’s first responders help make our communities safe places to live, work and raise a family,” said Senator Peters. “I’m pleased to announce this funding, which will help departments in Southeast Michigan do their jobs safely and effectively.”

“We extend our appreciation to Senator Stabenow and Senator Peters as well as other elected and appointed officials who had a hand in reviewing and approving our funding application,” said Kevin McDaniel, Mayor of Auburn Hills.  “Our ability to modestly increase the number of full time firefighters at a level that will allow us to retain them after the grant funds discontinue is a strategic and responsible move by our administration and our citizens will be the long-term beneficiaries of that decision.”

“We appreciate all of the support Senators Stabenow and Peters have provided in maintaining AFG and SAFER funding. We know they have been fighters in protecting this funding,” said Michael Holland, Fire Chief of Roseville Fire Department. “We are very happy to receive this funding, which will be used to update and modernize our vehicle extrication program here at Roseville Fire Department. This allows us to better protect our citizens and the people who pass through our community daily.”

Eligible fire departments and Emergency Medical Services organizations in Michigan and across the country can apply for Assistance to Firefighters Grants and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grants. AFG grants help first responders purchase the equipment and obtain the training needed to handle fire-related hazards. SAFER grants are designed to strengthen the nation’s ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards. More information about the grants can be found at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants.

###