Rural fire authority receives $124K grant from state.

November 9, 2020

Rural fire authority receives $124K grant from state.

CUSTER — The Mason County Rural Fire Authority recently received a grant of $124,000 from the Michigan Department of Treasury  for each of the fire authority’s 124 firefighters during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier this year, The Michigan Department of Treasury’s Office of Revenue Sharing created a grant program to pay hazard premiums for qualifying first responders who have performed hazardous duty or work involving physical hardship related to COVID‐19. The program is funded under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Public Law 116‐136.

“To say I was pleasantly surprised by the news would be a big understatement” said Chuck Keller, chairman of the MCRFA Board of Directors. “I was shocked and elated. I and the entire MCRFA Board are so pleased that we will be able to make this $1,000 payment to each of our firefighters in recognition of their service during these difficult times.”

“We try to let our firefighters know on an ongoing basis how much we appreciate them and how proud we are of their service to the community. Their job is already difficult and dangerous enough, and the Covid pandemic has added yet another level of potential hazard to their work.” Keller said. “We hope that this payment will emphasize how much we value our firefighters”.

The grant requires that the payment be made to first responders no later than November 14, so Keller is working to ensure that payment will be in the firefighter’s hand next week.

The Mason County Rural Fire Authority has been providing volunteer fire and rescue services to 12 townships, three villages and one city in Mason County since 1996. The authority operates seven fire stations throughout the jurisdiction.

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