Nearly $1.5 Million in Federal Grants Boost Northern Michigan Fire Departments

Photo byOffice of Michigan Senator Gary Peters

Senators Peters and Stabenow Announce Critical Funding for Firefighter Safety and Equipment

DETROIT, MI – U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow have announced that fire departments across Northern Michigan will receive nearly $1.5 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This significant support comes from FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs. The funds aim to enhance the safety and effectiveness of firefighters and first responders in the region.

Senator Peters Leads Bipartisan Effort to Extend Critical Firefighter Support

Senator Gary Peters, who spearheaded the bipartisan legislation to extend these grant programs, emphasized the importance of providing first responders with the necessary tools and resources. “Firefighters and first responders risk their lives to protect our communities and families. It’s essential that we make sure they have the tools necessary to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Peters. The extension of the SAFER and AFG programs will ensure continued investment in local fire departments, supporting their mission to protect the public.

Senator Debbie Stabenow echoed these sentiments, highlighting the dedication of Northern Michigan’s firefighters. “Our firefighters in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula put their lives on the line to protect our families, homes, and communities,” Stabenow stated. “These new resources will help keep the public safe and give our first responders the equipment they need to do their jobs more safely and effectively.”

Breakdown of Funding for Northern Michigan Fire Departments

The nearly $1.5 million in funding will support several fire departments across Northern Michigan with targeted investments to enhance safety and operational capabilities:

• City of Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department: Awarded $234,666 to promote firefighter wellness, including cancer screenings and physicals. Funds will also go toward purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE) and an air monitoring device.
• Chippewa County Regional Grant Award: Six fire departments in Chippewa County will receive $666,045 to purchase over 100 new portable radios, improving communications across participating agencies: Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department, Soo Township Fire Department, Bay Mills Township Fire Department, Sugar Island Township Fire Department, Dafter Township Fire Department, and Pickford Township Fire Department.
• Mentor Township Fire Department: Awarded $296,960 to acquire 800 MHz portable radios, enhancing emergency response capabilities in Oscoda County.
• Dafter Township Fire Department: Received $44,041 to purchase PPE specifically designed for wildland areas, ensuring firefighters are better equipped for such emergencies.
• Morton Township Rescue Department: Granted $130,000 to support recruitment and retention efforts, addressing personnel shortages and bolstering their firefighting team.
• Burleigh Reno Whittemore Fire Department: Awarded $118,666 to replace outdated equipment, aimed at enhancing firefighter safety and improving emergency response operations.

Support from Local Fire Chiefs

Local fire chiefs have expressed their gratitude for the funding and the ongoing support from Senators Peters and Stabenow. Ed Miller, Fire Chief of the Sault Ste. Marie Fire Department, stated, “We could not accomplish our goal of health and wellness among our firefighters without the support of the Assistance to Firefighter Grant program.” Austin Conway, Fire Chief of the Dafter Township Fire Department, also praised the funding, noting, “Thanks to this grant funding, we will be able to outfit all of our firefighters with the equipment they need to stay safe when responding to wildland emergencies.”

Continued Commitment to Firefighter Safety and Resources

Senator Peters’ Fire Grants and Safety Act reauthorizes the SAFER and AFG programs, along with the United States Fire Administration (USFA), through 2028. This reauthorization includes a funding boost for USFA, with an increase to $95 million from the current $75 million. The extension of these programs ensures that fire departments across the country can continue to recruit and retain essential personnel, invest in modern equipment, and provide comprehensive safety and technical rescue training for their teams.

The nearly $1.5 million in grants awarded to Northern Michigan fire departments exemplifies the federal commitment to supporting first responders and enhancing public safety across communities.