Huron Valley Ambulance received a grant of nearly $150,000 from the federal government through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, officials announced Wednesday.
Huron Valley Ambulance will receive a federal government grant of almost $150,000, officials announced Wednesday.
HVA spokeswoman Karen Gabrys wrote the grant and said she was thrilled to hear the news on Wednesday. The $149,424 grant will go toward a driving simulator, which will help train paramedics and allow other personnel to practice before going out on the road.
“It allows for changes in weather conditions, road conditions, traffic incidents, just to improve safety,” Gabrys said.
It was the second time HVA applied for this federal grant, but the previous time it was not seeking money for the simulator, Gabrys said.
The nonprofit organization will kick in about $37,000 to complete the purchase of the simulator, Gabrys said. The grant was an 80-20 split in costs for the simulator.
United States Sens. Carl Levin (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) announced the agencies that received grants in a joint statement released Wednesday afternoon. The Almont Fire Department, Leland Township Fire and Rescue Department, City of Manistee, Raisin Township Fire Department and St. Clair Shores Fire Department also received federal funds.
Huron Valley Ambulance serves much of southeast Michigan, including parts of Calhoun, Genesee, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.
Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.