Dafter Fire Department Receives Major Grant to Improve Equipment

Dafter, MI – The Dafter Township Fire Department is excited to announce that they have been awarded two highly competitive FEMA Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) grants, totaling $490,780.94 in federal funding!

$449,523.80 – New Tanker
$41,257.14 – New Fire Hose & Nozzles

NEW TANKER

The new tanker will replace the current one, which is 40 years old, has exceeded its useful service life, and lacks modern safety features. This will be a major improvement for firefighter safety and for their ability to protect Dafter Township and the surrounding communities they serve through mutual aid.

NEW HOSE & NOZZLES

The second grant will replace fire hose and nozzles that have reached the end of their useful life. Reliable hose and nozzles are essential on every fire, and this investment will directly benefit the firefighters and the people they serve.

YEARS IN THE MAKING

A lot of work goes into these grants. Fire Chief Austin Conway has spent years identifying the department’s equipment needs, finding funding opportunities, and developing applications to bring these much-needed improvements to Dafter Township.

“We are very pleased to receive these federal grants. This funding will allow us to purchase vital equipment that directly improves the safety of our firefighters and the protection we provide to our community,” Chief Conway said. “We are grateful for this opportunity and for everyone who has supported our department along the way. I especially want to thank Mickey Smith with Nationwide First Responder Grants for his assistance with this year’s applications.”

Both grants require a 5% local match, which has been budgeted. Including the match, these awards represent a total investment of $515,320.00 in the future of the Dafter Township Fire Department, helping them replace aging equipment, improve firefighter safety, and strengthen the protection they provide to the Dafter community and mutual aid partners.