Fenton Fire Department Receives Federal Grant

The received a little boost in the funding department recently.

The department received $23,750 from the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

The funds will be used to purchase three items, including communication equipment.

Also, two large fire nozzles will be purchased that will allow firefighters to have a larger flow of water more quickly and easily.

Plans include the purchase of a machine that checks the department’s self-contained breathing apparatus as well. Currently, the department must ship the apparatus to another company to be checked.

“It will be a big help,” Fire Chief Robert Cairnduff said. “We couldn’t afford to purchase these items on our budget.”

The department applied for the highly competitive grant in the spring of 2010. Cairnduff said the department has applied for the grant for seven years and received funding three times.

“Michigan's brave firefighters and first responders risk their lives protecting our families and communities,” said Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-MI, in a news release. “With these grants, we will be able to provide our first responders with the best possible equipment and training.”

Grants totaling $1 million were awarded to four Michigan fire departments.