Stabenow, Peters Applaud $22,273 for First Responders in Montcalm County

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today announced that Montcalm County Emergency Services has been awarded $22,273 from the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). The funding can be used for professional training, wellness and fitness program equipment, personal protective equipment, modifications to facilities, and supplies that support firefighting and non-affiliated EMS operations and safety.

"Our emergency responders put their lives on the line every day to keep our families, homes, and communities safe," said Senator Stabenow. "These new resources will help Montcalm County Emergency Services buy the equipment they need to safely protect their community."

"I am pleased that Montcalm County is receiving this critical funding that will go a long way towards training and equipping first responders with the tools needed to keep our communities safe," said Senator Peters. "Through this funding, Montcalm County will be better prepared to respond to fire and other emergency hazards, and this is another step towards making our neighborhoods safer places to grow up and raise a family."

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. During FY 2014, approximately $305.4 million in grants will be rewarded. Since 2001, AFG has awarded nearly $6.1 billion in grants to first-responder organizations for equipment, training, and emergency vehicles.