U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, of Michigan, announced a nearly $220,800 grant for the East Lansing Fire Department on Thursday.
The grant is intended to purchase 35 self-contained breathing apparatus air packs, 70 air bottles and 48 digital face masks.
"Our firefighters in East Lansing put their lives on the line to protect our families, homes and communities," said Stabenow. "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.”
The money comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grants program.
“Firefighters and first responders work tirelessly to ensure our communities are safe places to work, go to school and raise a family,” said Senator Peters. “This funding will help ensure the East Lansing Fire Department will be better equipped to do their jobs efficiently and safely when emergencies arise.”
East Lansing Fire chief Randall Talifarro said the grant will help the fire department better help area residents.
“Firefighters are a first line of defense, bringing the resources necessary to protect and safeguard communities from all hazards,” Talifarro said. “This revenue will help us to be more effective at performing this critical responsibility.”
Eligible Michigan fire departments and Emergency Medical Services organizations can apply for the Assistance to Firefighters Grants.
