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Council accepts $116,423 FEMA grant to fund Port Huron firefighter technical rescue training
Summary
Port Huron City Council voted to accept a $116,423.22 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant to provide technical rescue training for the fire department, funding scenarios including high‑angle rescues, water rescue and confined‑space response.
Port Huron City Council voted Oct. 14 to accept a Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) for $116,423.22 to fund technical rescue training for members of the Port Huron Fire Department.
Council Member Lamb moved the resolution and Council Member Pemberton supported it. During the meeting, Mayor Anita Ashford and City Manager James Freed thanked Fire Chief Nicholson for pursuing grant funds that expand training capacity beyond routine in‑house training.
City Manager James Freed said the grant will fund specialized training for high‑angle rescues at bridge structures, river diving operations, and confined‑space incidents associated with rail and industrial sites. "They need to be trained and brought up to speed," Freed said, noting Port Huron’s local geography and infrastructure create unique rescue needs.
The resolution passed on a roll call vote with all recorded members voting yes. Council members emphasized that federal grant writing and management require specialized staff effort and expressed appreciation for the department securing outside funding rather than relying solely on local dollars.
The resolution directs the city to accept grant terms and to coordinate with the fire chief on training schedules and reporting requirements under the FEMA AFG award.
