Wakefield eyes first responder training grant

By CHARITY SMITH

csmith@yourdailyglobe.com

Wakefield — The city of Wakefield is in the process of writing a grant to apply for funding for training and recruitment of first responders, according to city manager Robert Brown.

“We are going to apply for funds to cross-train some of our firefighters as medical first responders,” said Brown.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the $5 million grant program for training and recruitment on Jan. 3.

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

All Michigan cities, villages, townships, counties and fire authorities are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $100,000 through the First Responder Training and Recruitment grant program. First responders are classified as police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics and local units of government corrections officers.

“The purpose of the grant program is to support efforts of local governments to expand recruitment, improve training, and provide additional professional development and support to first responders in local governments,” the release said.

Out of the $5 million appropriated for the grant program, $2 million has been designated for communities with a per capita property value of less than $15,000. The per capita property value for Wakefield according to mlive.com in 2018 was $14,714. Communities applying for a grant must include in their application the program purpose, demonstrating how budgeted costs directly relate to recruitment or training of first responders.

Brown said the city is looking at having four firefighters cross-trained. The firefighters could be taking an EMT course at Gogebic Community College as soon as May, depending on funding and course availability, he said. The city wants to shoot for a spring-summer registration with the college, as the grant is giving priority to those that will have the training completed by Sept. 30.

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

Applications must be submitted by Feb. 15. Applications will be selected for funding by the Michigan Department of Treasury based on program purpose, eligibility and criteria. Projects are funded on a reimbursement basis.

To learn more about the grant program, visit Michigan.gov/FRG.