U.S. Michigan State Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow announced that several Michigan fire departments received over $2.5 million in funding from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) programs. 

This grant is in response to multiple fire departments' needs in additional training, gear and equipment. 

FEMA opened their Assistance to Firefighters Grant application where fire departments could list their operating budgets and financial needs.

After consideration, five Michigan departments were chosen. 

• Detroit will receive $354,545 for paramedic and fire marshal training.
• Peninsula Township will receive $17,744 to update their fire hose system. 
• Sodus Township will receive $809,548 to upgrade their air packs and breathing system.
• Bellevue will receive $907,727 to upgrade their air packs.
• Home Township will receive $372,844 to purchase a new fire truck.

Chief Everett Steinke from the Sodus Township Volunteer Fire Department was pleased that the need in their rural community was recognized. 

"This grant will go a long way to help us to upgrade our cascade system to a compressor and fill station. The grant will provide us with much needed new air packs, giving us lighter weight and more efficient time when in use. This helps us to be more compatible with our neighboring departments for mutual aid," he said.