By Staff
WASHINGTON – Southwestern Michigan Community Ambulance Service has received a $30,083 grant to help with operations and safety.
The grant was announced Wednesday by U.S. Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow, both Michigan Democrats.
The two said a total of $549,012 was awarded through fiscal year 2007 Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters grant program.
The SMCAS grant will aid first responders, a press release said. The funding will be used to support operations and firefighter safety and to purchase firefighting vehicles.
"These federal dollars will help purchase the firefighting vehicles and personal protective equipment that Michigan's first responders need to do their jobs safely and effectively," said Levin. "Communities throughout Michigan depend on the protection they provide, and this funding will help them prepare for the dangers they face on a daily basis."
"Our first responders put their lives on the line to protect our communities," said Stabenow. "These brave men and women deserve nothing less than the very best training and equipment."
The grants are made directly to fire departments and EMS organizations to improve the effectiveness of operations and health and safety programs, to purchase protective equipment and response vehicles, and to establish or expand fire prevention programs throughout the United States. Grants are awarded competitively through an application process.