Levin, Stabenow Announce Support for Grand Rapids Fire Department
Thursday, September 27, 2012
WASHINGTON – Michigan Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow today welcomed the announcement of a federal grant to help the Grand Rapids Fire Department improve its operations and boost safety for emergency personnel and the public.
The department will receive a $763,920 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters grant program.
“If we want to depend on our first responders to be there when emergency strikes, they must be able to depend on us for the support they need,” Levin said. “This grant will provide that support, and help keep Michiganians safe.”
Senator Stabenow said, “Our firefighters provide critical, courageous service to communities across Michigan. This grant provides the resources they need to perform their duties safely and protect the public.”
The Assistance to Firefighters program allows fire departments to compete for federal grant money in several categories. The Grand Rapids award announced today is for operations and safety improvements, and can fund items such as professional training, wellness and fitness program equipment, personal protective gear for firefighters, facilities improvements and supplies.