DEARBORN — Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn) announced that the Dearborn and Trenton Fire Departments will receive funding for fire prevention and safety through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.

The Dearborn Fire Department has already installed 2,000 smoke alarms for residents in the region and it plans to double that number with the additional funding.

“Our local firefighters and first responders are on the front lines of keeping our communities safe,” said Dingell. “These grants will help provide the resources they need to continue to protect our families through prevention.”

Dearborn will receive a $168,077 grant to install smoke alarms for houses from Dearborn to Melvindale. Last year, Melvindale merged its fire department with the city of Dearborn. 

“The smoke alarm installation program will undoubtedly save lives from Dearborn to Melvindale and this grant will ensure this program will continue to move forward and protect our citizens,” said Fire Chief Joe Murray.

Trenton will receive a $16,310 grant to install high-quality, maintenance-free, lithium ion smoke detectors in low-income neighborhoods. 

“The city of Trenton and the fire department are very appreciative of the support for our efforts to promote fire prevention for the citizens of Trenton,” said Trenton Fire Chief Dean Creech.

The AFG program awards grants directly to fire departments and EMS organizations that are unaffiliated with a hospital to enhance their response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public and emergency response personnel with respect to fire and all other hazards.