Great Lakes Wire

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (MI) and Gary Peters (MI) on June 14 announced that several West Michigan fire departments will receive $764,565 in support from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This funding comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program.

• Grand Rapids will receive $77,116 to purchase advanced health screenings and fitness equipment. 
• Battle Creek will receive $589,167 to provide over 30 firefighters with advanced EMT training.
• Fork Township will receive $98,282 to purchase self-contained apparatuses.

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

"Firefighters are an essential part of our communities, tirelessly fighting to protect Michiganders’ lives and property" said Senator Peters. "This funding will ensure that fire departments have the resources necessary to keep our communities safe and to do their jobs safely and effectively.”

Cardiac events and occupational cancers are some of the leading causes of firefighter disability and death. With funding from this 2022 AFG, Grand Rapids Fire Department will have access to advanced wellness screenings that can detect certain cancers and health related issues. Additionally, we will be able to purchase fitness equipment to improve the strength and cardiovascular health of our members. Doing so will allow them to perform their firefighting duties more effectively and with greater efficiency, while helping prevent, and/or recover from, injuries. We are grateful to Senators Stabenow and Peters for their ongoing support of the AFG program that has been an absolute lifeline for fire departments across the country, including Grand Rapids,” said Ryan Sparks, Grand Rapids Fire Captain.

“Staying up to date on the latest emergency medical procedures will take us to the next level in our skills, so we can give our best to our neighbors in need. Thank you Senators Stabenow and Peters for helping us get these critical resources,” said Bill Beaty, Battle Creek Fire Chief.

More information about these grants can be found at: https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters.

Original source can be found here