East Lansing Fire Department receives FEMA grant

EAST LANSING, Mich. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded a grant to the East Lansing Fire Department, according to a press release.

The $462,500 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant will be awarded in increments over a three-year period, according the release.

The East Lansing Fire Department will use the money to pay the salary and benefits required to hire and retain three additional firefighters, according to the release.

"We are very appreciative of FEMA, Sen. Debbie Stabenow and Sen. Gary Peters and our Council-members that support this public safety grant program," said East Lansing Fire Chief Randall Talifarro. "We are grateful to receive this funding, as it will help us support our mission and our community."

"This will enhance our emergency response capabilities as the City grows and becomes more densely populated. We hope to retain this modest increase of full-time firefighters after the grant ends if it is economically feasible and projected income tax revenues are realized," said East Lansing City Manager George Lahanas. "This is a responsible and strategic move by our administration. Our community will be beneficiaries of enhanced safety due to this grant."

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