Two fire departments in Michigan’s Great Southwest will have extra gear to facilitate their firefighting efforts thanks to a pair of 2018 Safety Grants from Michigan Gas Utilities.
The utility, operating through its charitable giving organization, the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation, announced grants today for the Allegan Fire District and the Hillsdale Township Fire Department.
Nick Brink is Fire Chief at the Allegan Fire District. He responded to the news by saying, “We are exceptionally happy and appreciative to have received a grant from Michigan Gas Utilities.” He adds, “This grant allows us to equip our firefighters with the most current protective equipment available, which enhances our ability to keep the members of our community safe.”
Each spring since 2015, Michigan Gas Utilities has partnered with the WPS Foundation to offer the safety grants to help emergency response agencies purchase equipment or implement training that improves public safety. This year, approximately $4,000 is being awarded to assist the Hillsdale Township Fire Department and Allegan Fire District with the purchase of a new automated external defibrillator and new firefighting helmets, respectively.
Including this year’s grants, the WPS Foundation has donated more than $33,000 during the past four years to help first responders improve public safety in communities that MGU serves.
To qualify for a safety grant, emergency response agencies must demonstrate the equipment or training they will acquire is part of a well-planned effort to improve public safety. Grants also may be used to fund safety-related projects that are unique, one-time efforts.
More information about the safety grants can be found on the MGU website.
