Kildee Announces $24,000 Grant for the Saginaw Fire Department

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded $24,000 to the Saginaw Fire Department. FEMA, in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration, awarded these congressionally appropriated funds under the Fiscal Year 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program for fire operations and firefighter safety. 

In an April 30, 2008 letter in support of the grant application, Kildee asserted that the Saginaw Fire Department’s responsibilities extend beyond city limits and that funds would aid in the purchase of an air cascade system to fill self-contained breathing apparatus and a new fire engine.

“The firefighters of Saginaw have committed themselves to the protection of the people, homes and families of Saginaw, and so we are obligated to ensure that they have the tools they need to do their job safely and to protect themselves,” said Kildee. “These funds will enable our first responders to acquire new equipment that will aid in their mission to save lives.”

Congressman Kildee was an original cosponsor of the legislation establishing the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, a coordinated effort to strengthen the nation’s overall security. The Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement (FIRE) Act of 2000 authorized FEMA to make grants available to fire departments throughout the nation. Fire Departments nationwide will receive $500 million in Fiscal Year 2008 funding to support fire protection and prevention programs, EMS delivery and vehicle procurement. FEMA typically receives more than 20,000 applications each year from fire departments requesting funds provided by this program.