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U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today announced that the Ann Arbor Township Fire Department will receive a $187,941 regional grant through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The funding will be used to replace firehoses for 11 fire departments in Washtenaw and western Wayne counties.

“It is critical that our local firefighters have the tools they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Dingell. “This funding will provide fire departments throughout the region with much-needed equipment to protect our communities.”

“On behalf of the fire chiefs and firefighters of Washtenaw and Wayne counties, I would like to thank FEMA for providing these funds, which will allow us to purchase over 56,000 feet of firehose for the county fire departments to ensure the safety of residents,” said Ann Arbor Township Fire Chief Brian Thurston.

The grant will be distributed by Ann Arbor Township to Ypsilanti Township, the City of Ypsilanti, Van Buren Township, Superior Township, Salem Township, Manchester Township, Chelsea area, Belleville City, Sumpter Township, and Augusta Township.

The AFG program awards grants directly to fire departments and EMS organizations that are unaffiliated with a hospital to enhance their response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public and emergency response personnel with respect to fire and all other hazards.