Congressman John D. Dingell

March 4, 2008

Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) made the following remarks today regarding two Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) awarded the Flat Rock Fire Department. The first grant for $76,950 will help pay for a fire sprinkler system and a smoke detection/alarm system in the fire station as well as the second floor quarters and training room in their station. A second grant of $475,000 will be used to purchase a new fire truck.

“The men and women who put their lives on the line to protect all of us deserve all the help we can get them,” Dingell said. “The Flat Rock firefighters do a wonderful job protecting the people of that fine community. They have two old fire trucks that need replacing and this will get them on their way to taking care of them. I’ve heard Chief Vack plans on buying an American made truck and of course I applaud that decision.”

Flat Rock Fire Chief William Vack added: “The Assistance to Firerfighters Grants is an invaluable program to help the nation’s firefighters fund equipment, vehicles and other programs that they would otherwise not be able to afford. Firefighters are always the first responders our citizens count on whenever disasters or emergencies occur and it is important that they are equiped to handle their jobs. I would like to thank Congressman John D. Dingell and his staff for their help on this project and his continued support of the AFG program.”

DHS designed these grants to “enhance first responders’ ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel, with respect to fire-related hazards.” Fire Departments can use the grants for the following areas: training, firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, health and safety modifications to stations and facilities, and firefighting vehicles. According to their website, DHS awards the grants on a competitive basis to those fire departments that best address the priorities of the AFG program.