Congressman John D. Dingell

November 19, 2008

Ypsilanti, MI - An Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will help fund a major project at the Ypsilanti Fire Station, Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) announced today. The $100,000 will pay for building modifications at the fire station at 525 West Michigan Ave.

“This grant will make the station the safest building in the city. It will now be much more than a fire station, we will have the ability to make it into a command center,” said Ypsilanti Fire Chief Jon Ichesco. “When the work is done, we will have a building that can serve the community in even the worst of situations.”

Congressman Dingell added: “I met with the Chief and some of his firefighters just a few weeks ago. They do terrific work protecting Ypsilanti and I am pleased to see that they have received this funding.”

DHS designed these grants to “enhance first responders’ ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel, with respect to fire-related hazards.” Fire Departments can use the grants for the following areas: training, firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, health and safety modifications to stations and facilities, and firefighting vehicles. According to their website, DHS awards the grants on a competitive basis to those fire departments that best address the priorities of the AFG program.