Stabenow, Peters Announce Over $1.4 Million in Federal Support for Southeast Michigan Fire Departments

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (MI) and Gary Peters (MI) today announced over $1.4 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for southeast Michigan fire departments to equip and train emergency personnel, enhance efficiencies, and support community resilience. This funding comes from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program administered by DHS’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in partnership with the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA).

“Our firefighters put their lives on the line to protect our families, homes, and communities,” said Senator Stabenow. “These new resources will help keep the public safe and give our first responders the training and equipment they need to do their jobs more safely and effectively.”

“Firefighters are an essential part of our communities, tirelessly fighting to protect Michiganders’ lives and property,” said Senator Peters. “This funding will ensure that fire departments have the resources necessary to keep our communities safe and to do their jobs safely and effectively.”

 “I want to express my gratitude to Senator Peters for introducing legislation to reauthorize the Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) and Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant. After a competitive grant review process, Sterling Heights was fortunate enough to receive an AFG grant award for $301,390.90. This funding will have a significant impact on our community by enabling essential initiatives such as behavior health training, exercise equipment, cancer screening, job-related immunizations, physical exams and health screenings, physical trainer education, and 28 sets of turnout gear,” said Sterling Heights Fire Chief Kevin Edmond. “These resources are vital for ensuring the safety and well-being of our firefighters as they protect and serve our city. I want to thank our Michigan Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow for their unwavering support and dedication to the Michigan Fire Service. Their commitment to advocating for the needs of our firefighters is truly commendable and greatly appreciated by our community.”

“Our department is honored to play a role in filling the critical need for paramedics in Michigan. Thanks to Senator Peters’ and Stabenow’s support, a significant financial barrier has been removed for individuals desiring to complete their paramedic training. Federal assistance to our community via the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program will allow West Bloomfield Township to hire a diverse and inclusive group of EMS providers,” said Gregory Flynn, Fire Chief of the West Bloomfield Fire Department.

“We are grateful to Senators Stabenow and Peters for their support in securing this funding. This grant will allow us to fund new equipment and firefighter trainings so we can respond to emergencies safely and efficiently,” said Dearborn Fire Chief Joseph Murray.

The funding will be allocated to the following locations: 

• $183,636 for Clinton Township to increase wellness resources among staff firefighters, including the expansion of fitness resources, nutrition information, and physicals.
• $301,390 for Sterling Heights to increase mental health, physical health, and cancer prevention and screening measures for staff firefighters.
• $23,029 for West Bloomfield Charter Township to create a program that puts firefighters through paramedic school while they work part time at fire departments.
• $796,773 for Dearborn to purchase firefighter rescue and safety training and breathing masks.
• $107,745 for Lexington for critically needed resources.

More information about these grants can be found at: https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters.

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