EAST LANSING, Mich. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded a $531,000 Assistance to Firefighters Grant to the East Lansing Fire Department (ELFD).

ELFD was a recipient in FEMA’s 19th round of FY 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grants. The 19th round awarded 81 grants, totaling $7.6 million to fire departments within the United States. ELFD will use the $531,000 for acquisition of a $590,000 100-foot aerial ladder truck. ELFD will assume 10 percent of the cost, or $59,000.The Assistance to Firefighters Grants aim to enhance response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public with respect to fire and other hazards. The grants enable local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations to purchase or receive training, conduct first responder health and safety programs, and buy equipment and response vehicles.

“The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program has been instrumental in building capacity and providing needed resources for our nation’s firefighters,” said FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison. “From the purchase of equipment to first responder training, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program has helped improve response capabilities and saved lives and property in communities throughout the United States.”

“We are pleased to receive this federal assistance in serving and protecting residents of the City of East Lansing,” said East Lansing Fire Chief Randall Talifarro. “We would like to thank our congressional representatives – Congressman Mike Rogers, Sen. Debbie Stabenow and Sen. Carl Levin - for their continued support by helping to secure the legislation and funding to reauthorize the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. This resource has dramatically helped local communities improve their response and preparedness for domestic homeland security.”

Visit www.firegrantsupport.com to learn more about the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.