ADDISON, MI - U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (MI) and Gary Peters (MI) today announced that the Addison Township Fire Department will receive $306,000 to hire a full-time staff member to focus on recruitment. This funding comes from the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program.

“Our firefighters put their lives on the line to protect our families, homes, and communities,”  said Senator Stabenow. “These new resources will help the Addison Township Fire Department make sure there is always someone there to answer the call in an emergency.”

“It’s critical that fire departments have the resources and staff needed to protect their communities,” said Senator Peters. “I’m proud to have helped secure this funding for Addison Township to hire a new recruiting and retention officer to ensure their department is fully staffed so that they can continue to safely and effectively respond to emergencies.”

“We are so thankful for this much-needed funding to help us recruit new firefighters. Recruitment is a challenge everywhere, but it’s especially difficult in small communities like ours. We can’t wait to reap the rewards from this funding opportunity. We are very thankful!” said Jerry Morawski, Addison Township Fire Chief.

More information about this grant program can be found at: https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters/safer#awards

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