Senators Peters and Stabenow Announce More Than $2 Million in Federal Support for Southeast Michigan Fire Departments

DETROIT, MI - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) announced that local fire departments across Southeast Michigan will receive more than $2 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The funding comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs. Earlier this year, Peters led passage of bipartisan legislation to extend these programs, helping to ensure local fire departments have the resources necessary to continue protecting their communities and responding effectively to emergencies.

"Our firefighters and first responders are an essential part of every Michigan community. It's imperative that they have the resources they need to keep themselves and Michiganders safe during an emergency," said Senator Peters. "That's why I passed legislation to extend these critical grant programs so we can continue to invest in our local fire departments in the years to come."

"Our firefighters and first responders put their lives on the line to protect our families, homes, and communities," said Senator Stabenow. "These new resources will help keep us safe and give our first responders the equipment and training they need to do their jobs more safely and effectively."

Below are descriptions of each project:

• Dearborn Fire Department: The City of Dearborn Fire Department was awarded $798,146 to upgrade portable radio equipment and purchase equipment needed to keep turnout gear clean and safe. The funding will also be used to provide staff trainings on issues related to emergency response and wellness.
• Wayne Fire Department: The City of Wayne Fire Department will receive $96,190 to purchase a new power load and stretcher system. Funding will also be used to upgrade an existing department vehicle with an improved exhaust capture system.
• Livonia Fire Department: The Livonia Fire Department will receive $71,371 to upgrade its thermal imaging cameras on all department apparatus. These cameras enable firefighters to see trapped victims through thick smoke and help to quickly extinguish the blaze.
• West Bloomfield Township Fire Department: The West Bloomfield Township Fire Department will receive $43,584 to fund live fire training exercises for all department personnel.
• Sterling Heights Fire Department: The Sterling Heights Fire Department will receive $208,863 to expand access to health screenings and preventative health care for department staff.
• North Oakland County Fire Authority: The North Oakland County Fire Authority will receive $71,428 to purchase two Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System (LUCAS) devices, which will be used to administer CPR to firefighters in cardiac arrest. This funding will also be used to purchase equipment necessary to more effectively fight brush fires in the area.
• Port Sanilac Fire Department: The Port Sanilac Fire Department was awarded $98,698 to purchase new masks and air packs for its firefighters, replacing gear that is nearly approximately 20 years out of compliance.
• Utica Fire Department: The Utica Fire Department was awarded $71,371 to purchase upgraded fire attack lines and nozzles.
• Penn Township: The Penn Township Fire Department is receiving $333,337 to improve its emergency response and protect public safety.
• Superior Township Fire Department: The Superior Township Fire Department was awarded $142,182 to improve its emergency response and protect public safety.
• Caledonia Township Fire Department: The Caledonia Township Fire Department will receive $95,238 to improve its emergency response and protect public safety.
• Bloomfield Township Fire Department: The Bloomfield Township Fire Department was awarded $44,809 to improve its emergency response and protect public safety.

"We are grateful to Senator Peters for his support in securing this funding," said Joseph Murray, Fire Chief of the Dearborn Fire Department. "This grant will allow us to fund new equipment and firefighter trainings so we can respond to emergencies safely and efficiently."

"The City of Wayne is thankful for this Assistance to Firefighters Grant award," said Michael Stradtner, Fire Chief of the Wayne Fire Department. "This funding will allow the department to replace one of the state's oldest power load systems that was purchased in 2012 and to update the current source capture exhaust system that was originally installed in 2003. Both of these upgrades will improve the health and safety of our firefighters."

"This funding will play a crucial role in supporting the fire service by investing in equipment, training, and operational improvements that ensure community safety," said Robert Jennison, Fire Chief of the Livonia Fire Department. "Securing these grants often requires a collaborative effort, and Livonia Fire & Rescue was grateful for Sen. Peters' support in helping us win this grant funding."

"The funding received through the AFG program helps local public safety departments better protect their communities," said Gregory Flynn, Fire Chief of the West Bloomfield Township Fire Department. "Protecting the homeland begins at the community level."

"The AFG program helps reduce risk for the Port Sanilac Department's fire department personnel by ensuring their equipment is in good working order as they work to protect and serve the community," said Doug Moran, Fire Chief of the Port Sanilac Fire Department.

Peters' Fire Grants and Safety Act reauthorizes the SAFER and AFG programs, as well as the United States Fire Administration (USFA), until 2028. It reauthorizes $95 million for USFA - a nearly $20 million increase from current authorized levels - and extends the authorization for the SAFER and AFG programs. Fire departments use these federal programs to recruit and retain additional personnel, as well as buy up-to-date vehicles and equipment such as breathing air compressors, hoses, nozzles, and more. Fire stations also use the programs to fund safety training and technical rescue training, as well as health screenings for firefighters. More information about these grants can be found here.

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