U.P. fire departments get grant funding

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin today announced support for the Ishpeming and Ironwood Fire Departments to help improve their operations and safety.

Senator Stabenow said, “Across Michigan, our firefighters provide brave and crucial services to communities like Ishpeming and Ironwood. This grant will help fund the resources and tools they need to perform their duties effectively and keep our families safe.”

“Every day, our first responders stand ready to protect lives and property,” Levin said. “This grant will help provide the Ispheming and Ironwood Fire Departments with the support they need to protect their communities. “

“The City of Ishpeming Volunteer Fire Department would like to express our thanks to Senators Stabenow and Levin with their continued support for FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program,” said Edward Anderson, Fire Chief, Ishpeming Volunteer Fire Department. “These new air packs will have several new features that will help keep our Firefighters safe for years to come.”

The Ishpeming Volunteer Fire Department will receive a grant of $57,958 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, and the Ironwood Public Safety Department will receive a grant of $40,375.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is a part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These competitive grants will help fund professional training programs, update equipment and facilities, and provide new supplies to help first-responders handle hazards efficiently and effectively. More information about the grant can be found at www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program.