Ann Arbor Fire Department lands $88K federal grant

The Ann Arbor Fire Department has been awarded an $87,876 federal grant to improve operations and safety, U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin announced this week.

In addition to the grant for Ann Arbor, two other grants were announced under the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters grant program, including $17,575 for the New Hudson Public Safety Department and $43,650 for the Auburn Hills Fire Department.

"Every day, our first responders stand ready to protect lives and property. This grant will help provide the Ann Arbor, New Hudson, and Auburn Hills fire departments with the support they need to protect their communities," Levin, D-Mich., said in a statement Thursday.

"Our firefighters provide brave and crucial services to communities across Southeast Michigan," added Stabenow, D-Mich. "This grant will help fund the resources and tools they need to perform their duties effectively and keep our families safe."

The competitive grants are intended to help fund professional training programs, update equipment and facilities, and provide new supplies to help first responders handle hazards effectively.

More information about the program can be found at http://www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program.

Ann Arbor Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard and City Administrator Steve Powers could not be immediately reached for comment on Thursday.

Powers presented his recommended budget to the City Council this week. Fire department expenditures account for $14.5 million of the $82.9 million general fund budget, while police department expenditures total $24.5 million — equating to 47 percent of the budget going to public safety, and another $4.4 million going toward the 15th District Court.

The administrator's budget, which awaits City Council approval, maintains 144 full-time employees in the police department and 86 full-time employees in the fire department.

The Ann Arbor Fire Department provides a broad range of services to the community, including fire suppression, vehicle accident extrication, medical assistance, water and ice rescue, fire safety inspections, investigation of fires, and oversight of fire-related permits. It also plays a large part in Washtenaw County Hazardous Material and Technical Rescue teams.

Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.