Kildee Announces New Funding for Argentine Township Fire Department

FLINT-Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-08) today announced new federal funding to support critical equipment upgrades for the Argentine Township Fire and Rescue Department in Linden, Michigan.

The $476,190 grant was awarded by the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The funding will help Argentine Township Fire and Rescue Department purchase a new tanker fire truck to improve emergency response and public safety for mid-Michigan residents.

"Our firefighters keep us safe, and we must ensure they have the resources necessary to protect mid-Michigan communities," said Congressman Kildee. "I'm proud to deliver new federal funding to support Argentine Township Fire and Rescue so they can be ready when our community needs them."

"We kindly thank Congressman Kildee for his efforts in securing this award for Argentine Township Fire and Rescue. The funds will be used to purchase a new tanker to replace our current tanker from 1980. Our rural jurisdiction has no municipal water source, so we rely on bringing water with us to fires and drafting it from rivers, ponds, lakes and other bodies of water. This new tanker will greatly increase our water resource capabilities to protect our residents and community as well as neighboring communities," said Jeremy Kurtz, Argentine Township Fire and Rescue Department Chief.

Congressman Kildee has long been an advocate for mid-Michigan firefighters. In Congress, he has helped lead the fight to increase funding for the AFG program. He has also introduced legislation to expand affordable housingfor Michigan volunteer firefighters and help Michigan fire departmentsaddress staffing shortages, purchase new equipment and improve training and emergency services.