Peters, Stabenow Announce $60,000 of Support for Perrinton Fire Department

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced that the Perrinton Fire Department will receive $60,000 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program to purchase a compressor and cascade system for filling self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) air tanks. This grant comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants program.

“Perrinton Firefighters and first responders protect our businesses, families and homes during emergencies,” said Senator Peters. “I’m pleased to announce these new resources that will allow the Perrinton Fire Department to update their equipment so they can continue to protect the community safely and effectively.”

“Our firefighters in Perrinton put their lives on the line to protect our families and homes,” said Senator Stabenow. “Thanks to these new resources, these brave men and women will have the equipment they need to help them do their jobs more safely and effectively.”

“It is important that we have the right equipment to do our jobs protecting the community,” said Jason Blemaster, Fire/Recuse Chief, Perrinton Fire Department. “Our current SCBA tank filling station is out of date and cannot be serviced any more. This grant will give us the funds we need to replace our compressor and cascade system for filling our SCBA tanks so we can continue to safely serve the community.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grants program has positively affected public safety by providing nearly $7.3 billion since 2001 for infrared cameras, personal protective gear, hazmat detection devices, improved breathing apparatuses, and interoperable communications systems. This equipment is critical to ensuring the safety of firefighters as they respond to emergencies and protect our communities. 

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.