The Howard Township Fire Department has been awarded a $83,059 grant for operations and safety from the Department of Homeland Security.

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin, both D-Mich., announced today that seven Michigan emergency responder organizations have been awarded grants totaling more than $7 million from the Department of Homeland Security.

“Every day, our first responders selflessly serve their communities and save lives,” Stabenow said.  “By supplying them with the tools they need to get the job done, and ensuring they are adequately staffed, we make our communities safer and stronger.”

“Investing in our first responders pays immediate dividends to the community,” Levin said. “Each of these communities will benefit from the improved equipment and the fire prevention, safety and training programs that these grants will help to fund.”

Funding will also be provided to several Michigan fire departments through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFGP) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response programs. The grants will be used to address a variety of equipment, training, and other firefighter-related and EMS needs.

The AFGP awards funds directly to fire departments and EMS organizations to improve the effectiveness of operations and health and safety programs, and to establish or expand fire prevention programs throughout the United States. Grants are awarded competitively through an application process.

More information can be found at www.fire grantsupport.com.