Washington - Representative Thaddeus G. McCotter (R-Livonia) announced today the Livonia Fire and Rescue Department has been awarded a $98,042 grant for fire operations and firefighter safety by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The funding was awarded through the DHS’ 2003 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program to enhance the ability of local fire departments to respond to fire and fire-related hazards in their communities.
“This funding will give Livonia firefighters access to the most advanced equipment available helping them identify victims and threats and better communicate those threats during a rescue,” said McCotter. “Equipment up-grades will support these firefighters in dangerous situations where saved time equals saved lives.”
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), a division of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate (EP&R) and assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States.
“Congressman McCotter has been a great assistance to this department and his support of the fire grant is appreciated by this department as well as the City of Livonia,” said Alan Brandemihl, Chief of the Livonia Fire Department.
According to Chief Brandemihl, the Livonia Fire Department will use the funding to purchase a personal accountability system which will allow the Incident Commander to alert firefighters working inside buildings of potential dangers and allow for an expedient evacuation of personnel. In addition, the funding will be used to purchase thermal imaging cameras allowing firefighters to see victims in a smoke filled environment in seconds rather than minutes which can mean the difference between life and death.
Fire departments seeking information regarding the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program should contact the FEMA Grant Program staff at 1-866-274, or e-mail them at usfagrants@fema.gov.