Stabenow, Peters Applaud Assistance for Southeast Michigan Fire Departments

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today applauded that the City of Dearborn, the Waterford Regional Fire Department and the Lincoln Park Fire Department will receive funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program to support local operations and safety improvements.

The City of Dearborn will receive $995,572; the Waterford Regional Fire Department will receive $199,114; and the Lincoln Park Fire Department will receive $6,046. Grant projects will help fund training programs, update equipment and facilities and provide new supplies to help first-responders handle hazards efficiently and effectively.

"Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep our families, homes, and communities safe," said Senator Stabenow. "These new resources will help these Southeast Michigan fire departments buy the equipment they need to safely protect their communities."

"When they enter emergency situations, our first responders and firefighters deserve to have the best training, equipment and facilities to keep our communities safe," said Senator Peters. "This funding will help ensure that firefighters and first responders in Southeast Michigan are better prepared to protect our families and neighborhoods."

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. Approximately $305 million in grants will be awarded from FY 2014 funding. More information about the grant program can be found here.