Stabenow, Peters Applaud Over $281,000 for Lincoln Park, Dearborn Heights First Responders

U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters today announced that the Lincoln Park Fire Department has been awarded $145,455 and the Dearborn Heights Fire Department has been awarded $136,364 from the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). The funding can be used for vehicle acquisition and parts, including pumpers, aerials, brush trucks, tankers/tenders, rescue vehicles and ambulances.

"Firefighters have to cover many miles to protect our families, homes, and communities," Senator Stabenow said. "New firetrucks and parts for the Lincoln Park and Dearborn Heights Fire Departments will help make sure there is always someone there to quickly respond in an emergency."

"First responders rely on vehicles to respond to emergencies both quickly and effectively, and we must ensure they are updated and safe," said Senator Peters. "I am pleased to announce this funding, which will allow firefighters in Lincoln Park and Dearborn Heights to receive the parts and vehicles necessary to continue protecting their communities."

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.