Stabenow, Levin Announce Grants for Fire Departments in Unadilla Township, Putnam Township and Eaton Rapids Township

U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin announced today that three Michigan fire departments will receive federal grants to help boost safety in their communities. Fire agencies in Unadilla, Putnam and Eaton Rapids townships will receive the grants.

"Across Michigan, our firefighters provide courageous service to our local communities," Stabenow said. "This grant makes sure they have the resources they need to perform their duties safely and protect the public."

"Local firefighters make enormous efforts and sacrifices to protect their communities," Levin said. "The federal grants help meet our responsibilities to support them in their difficult and dangerous work."

The grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters program go to:

• Unadilla Township Fire Department in Livingston County, which will get a $138,938 grant for vehicle acquisition;

• Putnam Township Fire Department, also in Livingston County, which will receive a $91,328 grant to improve operations and safety; and

• Eaton Rapids Township Fire Department in Eaton County, which will receive a $100,934 operations and safety grant.

The Assistance to Firefighters Program allows local fire agencies to compete for grants to buy new emergency vehicles or to improve operations and safety by providing firefighter training or personal protective equipment, modifying existing facilities or buying supplies.

More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program can be found at www.fema.gov/firegrants.