Senators Peters, Slotkin Announce More Than $145,000 in Federal Funding for Bay Region Fire Departments

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Elissa Slotkin (MI) announced that local fire departments across the Bay Region will receive more than $145,000 in federal funding. 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. In 2024, Peters led the charge to extend these federal grant programs that help local fire departments to address staffing needs, purchase equipment, develop fire training and education programs, and improve emergency medical services. “Every single day, firefighters and first responders in Michigan and across the nation put their lives on the line to protect their communities. It’s vital that fire departments have the resources they need to do their job safely,” said Senator Peters. “I was proud to work in a bipartisan way to extend these essential grant programs, and I’m pleased to announce this federal funding for departments across the Bay Region to help ensure they have the proper equipment and staffing to keep our communities safe.” “As elected officials, it is our responsibility to ensure that Michigan’s firefighters and front-line responders are protected. I join my colleague, Senator Gary Peters, in welcoming the more than $145,000 in federal support for Bay Region firefighters,” said Senator Slotkin. “We’ve worked in a bipartisan way to secure this essential grant funding. And now, these dollars will be used to address staffing needs, enhance safety training, and provide much-needed equipment for the brave folks who put their lives on the line every day to keep Michiganders safe.” “The radios that will be purchased with the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant will allow each of our firefighters to communicate more clearly on scene with each other and with the many other agencies that are critical to the safety of our community,” said Tim Woelkers Jr., Fire Chief of the Rose City Area Fire Department. “We are grateful for grants like this one that allow us to serve our community better and keep our firefighters safe. We have a great group of first responders in our area and these upgraded communications will be key moving forward.” Below are descriptions of each project: Ogemaw Fire Department: The Ogemaw Fire Department will receive $48,280 from the AFG program to invest in equipment needed to strengthen operational safety. Rose City Area Fire Board : The Rose City Area Fire Board (RCAFD) will receive $50,420 to support upgraded communications within the department and with other critical partner organizations. RCAFD plans to purchase portable 800mhz digital radios to keep in the fire apparatus. Jerome Township Fire Department : The Jerome Township Fire Department will receive $28,856 from the AFG program to invest in equipment needed to strengthen operational safety. Tawas City Hall : Tawas City Hall will receive $18,428 from the AFG program to invest in equipment needed to strengthen operational safety. 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 former authorized levels. 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. Peters is co-chair, and Slotkin is a member of, the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, which works to advance initiatives which support first responders. More information about these grant programs can be found here . ###