Ferndale Fire Department to receive $851,164 grant

(Washington D.C.)- The Ferndale Fire Department has been awarded an $851,164 grant from the Department of Homeland Security that will go toward rehiring four firefighters.

“Firefighters put their lives on the line for us every day and this grant will help ensure that the Ferndale Fire Department has the resources it needs to keep our communities safe,” said Congressman Levin.

The $851,164 grant was awarded through the Department of Homeland Security’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program. It will enable the department to rehire four firefighters the department laid off last year due to budget constraints.

"I am very excited about our SAFER Grant award. This allows us to operate within a margin of safety previously lost when we laid off four firefighters,” said Ferndale Fire Rescue Chief Kevin P. Sullivan. “The two-year period gives us enough time to work out alternate funding mechanisms for the continuation of the increased staffing level."

"It was wonderful to receive the news about Ferndale's SAFER grant, a grant that will help to ensure that the residents of Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge and Royal Oak Township continue to receive the excellent fire and EMS services that they deserve,” said Ferndale Mayor Pro Tem Kate Baker. “At a time when cities are struggling with decreased revenues and are forced to cut services, this support is a ray of sunshine."

More information can be found at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants/ .

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