Senators Stabenow, Levin Announce $479,006 in Federal Grants For Eight Michigan Fire Departments

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Carl Levin (D-MI) today announced today that eight fire departments throughout the state of Michigan have received $479,006 in grants from the Department of Homeland Security. The grants were awarded through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

"Michigan firefighters put their lives on the line to protect people and property in their communities, and we must ensure that they have the best equipment and training available," Stabenow said. "These Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety grants will help us accomplish that goal."

"Michigan firefighters put themselves in harm's way every day to protect the lives of our citizens," Levin said. "By providing them with extra training, equipment and support, we are ensuring their safety and the safety of all Michigan residents."

All seven Assistance to Firefighters Grant grants were awarded under the terms of the Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety Program, which provides funding for training, wellness and fitness, firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment, and modifications to fire stations and facilities. Other grants programs address such issues as fire prevention, emergency medical services, and vehicle acquisition.

Grants in the latest round of funding for firefighters were awarded as follows:

Sterling Area Fire Department, Sterling -$67,500
Gladwin Fire Department, Gladwin - $87,840
Fairview Fire Dept, Fairview - $53,440
Tri Township Fire Department, St. Charles - $102,384
Marcellus Fire Department, Marcellus - $63,208
Johnstown Township Fire Department, Battle Creek - $36,504
Watertown Township Fire Department, Fostoria - $32,130
Woodhaven Fire Department, Woodhaven - $36,000