Stabenow, Peters Announce Over $200,000 in Support of the East Lansing Fire Department

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today announced $220,796 for the East Lansing Fire Department to purchase 35 self-contained breathing apparatus air packs, 70 air bottles and 48 integrated digital face masks. This grant comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants program.

"Our firefighters in East Lansing 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 equipment they need to do their jobs more safely and effectively.”

“Firefighters and first responders work tirelessly to ensure our communities are safe places to work, go to school, and raise a family,” said Senator Peters. “This funding will help ensure the East Lansing Fire Department will be better equipped to do their jobs efficiently and safely when emergencies arise.”

“Firefighters are a first line of defense bringing the resources necessary to protect and safeguard communities from all hazards,” said Randall Talifarro, Chief of the East Lansing Fire Department. “This revenue will help us more effective at performing this critical responsibility.”

Eligible fire departments and Emergency Medical Services organizations in Michigan and across the country can apply for Assistance to Firefighters Grants. These competitive grants help first responders purchase the equipment and obtain the training needed to handle fire-related hazards. More information about the grant can be found at http://www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program.