The City of Flat Rock is targeted to receive more than $264,000 in federal funds to purchase new equipment for the fire department.

Flat Rock is one of seven Michigan communities expected to receive federal funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to improve operations and safety. The funding comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program.

U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow made the announcement. With its windfall, Flat Rock is expected to use the dollars to purchase self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA) to completely replace its outdated collection of SCBA’s.

Other cities receiving funds of Dearborn, Auburn Hills, Ann Arbor, Madison Heights, Grosse Pointe Farms and the National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association in Bloomfield Hills.

Dearborn will receive $96,114 to implement a program offering free smoke alarm installations for local residents. These funds will also pay for a bilingual representative to schedule the installations performed by Dearborn firefighters and engage with residents about fire safety. Auburn Hills will receive $65,315 to purchase three washer/dryer extractor systems that allow for advanced cleaning of personal protective equipment, in order to reduce the risk of exposure to known carcinogens and contamination. Ann Arbor will receive $49,493 to purchase two washer/dryer extractor systems for the same purpose. Madison Heights will receive $54,545 to purchase two washer/dryer extractor systems for the same purpose.

Grosse Pointe Farms will receive $45,598 to purchase extrication equipment to help firefighters and first responders more quickly and effectively respond to emergency service calls. The equipment will include critical tools such as a ram, cutters, spreaders, and combination tools and equipment. The National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association, based in Bloomfield Hills, will receive $164,039 to coordinate a national coalition, in partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Association, to develop trainings for firefighters that reflect appropriate Carbon Monoxide safety protocols.

“Firefighters and first responders are on the frontlines when emergencies strike,” said Peters, Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “These grants will help enable fire departments and organizations in communities across Southeast Michigan to purchase the gear, equipment, and resources our first responders need to effectively protect the communities they serve.”

“Our firefighters put their lives on the line to protect our families, homes, and communities,” Stabenow added. “These new resources will help keep the public safe and give our first responders the equipment and training they need to do their jobs more safely and effectively.”

More information about these grants can be found at: https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters.