WASHINGTON - Representative Thaddeus G. McCotter (R-Livonia) announced today the Wixom Fire Department will receive a $108,794 grant for fire operations and firefighter safety by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The funding was awarded through the DHS’ 2005 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program to enhance the ability of local fire departments to respond to fire and fire-related hazards in their communities.
“We must provide Wixom firefighters the best equipment available to identify victims and threats, and to rapidly communicate them during a rescue,” said McCotter. “Equipment improvements will support our firefighters in perilous situations where lives are measured in seconds.”
The Wixom Fire Department will use the grant award for replace worn and obsolete personal protection equipment, which will benefit firefighters by reducing the risk of thermal burns and equipment failure, according to Wixom Fire Chief Geoffery Ostling.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is administered by the Homeland Security Department's Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.