Senators Peters, Slotkin Announce More Than $880,000 in Federal Support for Mid-Michigan Fire Departments

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Elissa Slotkin (MI) announced that local fire departments across Mid-Michigan will receive $884,836 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 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 each department has the resources they need to do their job safely,” said Senator Peters. “I was proud to work in a bipartisan way to extend essential grant programs that support this work, and I'm pleased to announce this federal funding for departments across Mid-Michigan to ensure they have the proper equipment and staffing levels necessary 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 $880,000 in federal support for mid-Michigan 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.” Below are descriptions of each project: Northeast Ingham Emergency Service : The Northeast Ingham Emergency Service will receive $592,571 to purchase 60 Scott SCBA air packs for use in firefighting and hazardous material incidents. City of Charlotte : The City of Charlotte has been awarded $223,216 to purchase new fire hose, nozzles, fittings, and other related water-supply equipment. City of St. Johns: The City of St. Johns will receive $52,380 from the AFG program to provide EMT Training and compensation for department members. Meridian Township Fire Department : The Meridian Township Fire Department will receive $16,669 to acquire structural Firefighting Personal Protective gear for new employees. This gear is essential during high risk IDLH Atmospheres such as entering a building on fire that is full of smoke and heat to extinguish a fire. “The City of Charlotte is extremely grateful for Senator Peters’ support in helping make this grant possible,” said Tyger Fullerton, Fire Chief of the City of Charlotte Fire Department. “This funding is a significant investment in the safety and capabilities of our firefighters, allowing Charlotte, Benton Township, and Vermontville Township to replace and upgrade critical fire hose, nozzles, and water-supply equipment that our firefighters depend on when it is needed most.” “We are very appreciative for the work that Senator Peters and Senator Slotkin did to ensure that the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program was continued and their advocating for our department to be able to be a recipient,” said Kevin Douglas, Fire Chief of the St. John’s Fire Department. “This training will help to improve the level of service we are able to provide.” “This funding will allow us to purchase personal protective gear that is essential when entering a burning house to extinguish a fire," said Meridian Township Fire Chief Michael Hamel . “We’re thankful for Senator Peters’ support for this grant funding, which will help keep our firefighters safe performing fire rescues in high-risk situations.” Peters’ Fire Grants and Safety Act reauthorized the SAFER and AFG programs, as well as the United States Fire Administration (USFA), until 2028. It reauthorized $95 million for USFA, a nearly $20 million increase from current authorized levels, and extended the authorization for the SAFER and AFG programs. 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 grants can be found here . ###