Stabenow, Peters Announce Over $97,000 for Berrien Springs Oronoko Fire Department

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today announced that the Berrien Springs Oronoko Fire Department in Berrien County will receive $97,457 from the Department of Homeland Security's Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program. The funding will go towards the recruitment and retention of first responders.

"Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect our families, homes, and communities," said Senator Stabenow. "These resources will help the Oronoko Township Fire Department make sure there is always someone there to answer the call in an emergency."

"When emergencies strike, it is our first responders who are on the front lines protecting communities from harm," said Senator Peters. "This funding will help ensure that there the Berrien Springs Oronoko Fire Department has the necessary staffing level of firefighters safeguarding neighborhoods."

The SAFER program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Management Agency (FEMA) and works to strengthen communities' ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards and improve the nation's overall level of preparedness, including maintaining 24-hour staffing. Today's award is part of nearly $340 million in fiscal year 2014 awarded directly to fire departments and volunteer support groups to expand the number of firefighters available for emergency response.