Fire equipment grants boost Lincoln Park, Dearborn Hts.

Two area fire departments have been awarded more than a quarter-million dollars in federal grant money to be used toward purchasing new equipment and upgrades.

The Lincoln Park Fire Department has been awarded $145,455 and the Dearborn Heights Fire Department will receive $136,364 through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG), U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow announced in a statement Thursday.

The $281,819 in grants can be used to acquire new vehicles or parts for existing equipment, officials said in the statement.

“First responders rely on vehicles to respond to emergencies both quickly and effectively, and we must ensure they are updated and safe,” Peters said. “I am pleased to announce this funding, which will allow firefighters in Lincoln Park and Dearborn Heights to receive the parts and vehicles necessary to continue protecting their communities.”

Stabenow said updated and new equipment will allow firefighters to quickly respond in emergency situations.

“Firefighters have to cover many miles to protect our families, homes, and communities,” she said. “New firetrucks and parts for the Lincoln Park and Dearborn Heights Fire Departments will help make sure there is always someone there to quickly respond in an emergency.”

Nearly $6.1 billion in AFG grants have been awarded since 2001, officials said. The funds are granted directly to fire departments, non-affiliated emergency medical services (EMS) organizations, and state fire training academies.

Officials expect more than $300 million in AFG grants to be awarded during fiscal year 2014.

HFournier@detroitnews.com

(313) 223-4616

@HollyPFournier