Governor Whitmer announces $ 5 million in grants to Michigan communities to hire first responders

LANSING, Michigan (WILX) – There are many communities in the state need police, firefighters and paramedics. Now the state will help them fill these positions.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a $ 5 million grant program help local communities recruit and train first responders. $ 2 million of that money is set aside for low income communities with a per capita property value of less than $ 15,000.

“First responders are on the front lines of our health and safety, and are always there for us when we need them most,” said Governor Whitmer. noted. “We have to work together to put them first. We need to find ways to recruit and train the next generation of these true community heroes today so that they can be there for us tomorrow. With these new grants, we can hire more law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, paramedics and local correctional officers to keep us all safe.

Cities, townships and counties have until February 15 Apply for a grant of up to $ 100,000 related to the training and recruitment of first responders. In their request, communities must include the goal of their program; demonstrate how budgeted costs relate directly to recruiting or training first responders.

Priority will be given to projects completed by September 30.

“Michigan communities are making the recruitment and training of first responders a priority,” said State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks noted. “These dollars will help our communities provide better services to keep Michigan residents safe.”

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