WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (MI) and Gary Peters (MI) Friday announced $874,865 in federal funding to support West Michigan fire departments. The Saugatuck Township Fire District is receiving an operations and safety grant for $38,371. The Marshall Fire Department will receive $836,494 to hire new staff. This federal grant comes from the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program.

“Our firefighters in West Michigan put their lives on the line to protect our families, homes, and communities,” said Senator Stabenow. “These new resources will help keep our first responders healthy and make sure there is always someone there to answer the call in an emergency.” 

“Firefighters in West Michigan risk their lives to keep our communities safe. It’s critical they have the resources needed to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Senator Peters, Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “These grants will help support the hiring of new staff and protect the health and safety of our brave firefighters.”  

Eligible fire departments and Emergency Medical Services organizations in Michigan and across the country can apply for Assistance to Firefighters grants and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program grants. Assistance to Firefighters grants help first responders purchase the equipment and obtain the training needed to handle fire-related hazards. More information about the grant can be found at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants. Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program grants help fire departments recruit new firefighters and retain current personnel. More information about the grant can be found here.  

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