WASHINGTON – U.S. Congresswoman Candice Miller (MI-10) today praised the awarding of a $44,270 U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant to Lenox Township Fire Department.

“This grant will be a great resource for the Lenox Township Fire Department as they implement health and safety services to every member of their department, as well as upgrades to the stations and equipment,” said Miller. “DHS’ continued investment in our fire departments is furthering the commitment they made to every firefighter across our nation and the communities they serve. Ensuring the safety and health of every firefighter is vital and this grant provides an additional tool for safety and wellness.”

“Lenox Township feels extremely fortunate to receive this funding because the grant application process is very competitive. This is the fourth AFG Grant for Lenox Township,” Fire Chief Dennis Fouchia said. “We simply do not have the resources locally available to make these types of upgrades, and without these funds we would not be able to keep the fire department’s technology and infrastructure modern for the 21st Century.”

Specifically, this grant will go towards ensuring firefighter health and safety through medical physicals (stress tests, EKGs, etc.) which will be available to all the firefighters, building upgrades and new equipment, such as a thermal imaging camera, fire helmets, nozzles, a portable pump and a computer to help with mapping locations when assisting other communities.

*Please Note: This DHS grant is not a federally requested project (earmark) or a stimulus requested project. The DHS grant is part of the 2009 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program and has been in operation since the year following September 11, 2001. The AFG program is intended to support first responder training, supply adequate firefighting/EMS equipment, including rescue vehicles and protective gear, as well as provide for the wellness and fitness of firefighters.

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