Peters, Stabenow Announce Over $66,000 in Support for Freeport Area Volunteer Fire Department

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced that the Freeport Area Volunteer Fire Department will receive $66,999 in funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program for 17 new headsets and a new VHF800 MHz radio.

“It’s essential that firefighters in Freeport have the resources they need to keep their communities safe and secure,” said Senator Peters. “I am pleased to announce this funding that will ensure the Freeport Area Volunteer Fire Department has up-to-date communications equipment to help firefighters stay safe and coordinate with other first responders in emergency situations.”

“Our volunteer firefighters in Freeport 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.”

“We are thrilled to have been awarded the AFG Grant for 2017,” said Chief Jim Yarger, Freeport Area Volunteer Fire Department. “This grant will enable us to purchase communications equipment for our vehicles and handhelds that span both VHF and the 800mghz systems and continue communications with our neighboring counties as they migrate to the State 800 radio system. We will be the first department in Barry County with this capability.”

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.