Peters, Stabenow Announce Over $180,000 for Fire Departments Across Southeast Michigan

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) today announced that four fire departments across Southeast Michigan will receive federal funding to improve operations and safety for firefighters and personnel. The Sterling Heights Fire Department will receive $146,860; the City of Center Line will receive $19,047; the Village of Holly will receive $9,414; and the City of Novi will receive $6,493. These federal grants come from the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.

“It is critical that firefighters and first responders have the resources necessary to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Senator Peters, Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “I am pleased to announce this grant, which will provide important support to departments across Southeast Michigan so that first responders can continue operations and respond to emergencies.”

“Our firefighters in Southeast Michigan put their lives on the line to protect our families, homes, and communities,” said Senator Stabenow. “These new resources will help keep the public safe and give our first responders the equipment they need to do their jobs more safely and effectively.”

“This is the fourth year we have been successful in this highly competitive grant process.  We have been able to use this health and safety grant to improve our health screenings of our personnel, reducing time off from injuries and illnesses associated with firefighting.  This grant process has also given the fire department the opportunity to improve its physical fitness equipment, screen for known job related cancers and focus on mental health and wellbeing,” said Sterling Heights Assistant Fire Chief Edwin Miller. “We are thankful for this award and wish to thank Senators Peters and Stabenow for their support, as well as our mayor and city council for allowing us the opportunity to pursue these types of funding sources.”

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/firegrants.

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