2023

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is encouraging Michigan municipalities with part-time, on-call or volunteer firefighters to apply for a grant to purchase fire equipment through the MI Fire Equipment Grant Program before the July 10 deadline. 

There was $12 million appropriated to the Michigan Department of Treasury to establish and operate the MI Fire Equipment Grant Program under the State of Michigan’s Fiscal Year 2022-23 Budget. Grant awards up to $10,000 are available for local units of government for eligible fire equipment purchases made between Aug. 1, 2022 and Sept. 30, 2023. 

“We must ensure our firefighters have the safety equipment they need to do their jobs effectively,” Whitmer said. “The MI Fire Equipment Grant Program provides up to $10,000 for communities to purchase fire equipment like turnout gear, hard suction hoses, or first aid supplies. I encourage all eligible communities to take advantage of this opportunity and support their first responders.”  

Local communities with fire departments that are predominately on-call, part-time or volunteer in cities, villages, townships, tribal governments, or authorities or commissions are eligible to apply for a grant award.  Applications must be received by the Michigan Department of Treasury before July 10, 2023 with grant awards expected to be announced in August 2023. 

“Our team is ready to receive and review MI Fire Equipment Grant Program applications from Michigan’s communities,” said State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks. “Please follow the instructions carefully and submit a complete and accurate application before the beginning of July. Individuals with questions should not hesitate to contact us for assistance.”  

Please click here for program guidelines, application materials and additional information including FAQs.

Questions about the MI Fire Equipment Grant Program should be directed to the Michigan Department of Treasury at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is honoring Michigan’s dedicated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel by proclaiming May 21-27 as Michigan EMS Recognition Week.

“Michigan EMS heroes are a lifeline to our communities, serving our residents when they need it most,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). “We owe these heroic First Responders so much appreciation this week during EMS Week and all year round.”

EMS providers stand ready day or night to help residents, providing critical pre-hospital care to Michiganders in both emergencies and other health care situations. These services include preventative medicine, follow-up care, other transportation needs and more. EMS heroes help improve survival and recovery rates of people who experience sudden illness or injury.

“Michigan’s EMS practitioners take great pride in providing lifesaving pre-hospital care to residents in need,” said Jason MacDonald, president of the Michigan Association of Ambulance Services and vice president at Medstar Ambulance. “We stand ready to serve Michiganders in-need and encourage others to consider serving their communities by working in EMS.”

There are 29,035 EMS providers and 800 life support agencies in Michigan and more than 4,000 licensed life support vehicles, according to the MDHHS Division of EMS and Trauma within the Bureau of Emergency Preparedness, EMS and Systems of Care.

Click here for more information about EMS services in Michigan.

Don’t delay! Insure your spot today for the 33rd Annual Carl Parsell Memorial Scholarship Golf Outing benefiting local students pursuing a higher education.

This year’s outing will be held Thursday, June 8, 2023 at Links of Novi Golf Course. Reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis on or before May 22, 2023.

The fun-filled MAFF-organized day on the course features 18 holes of golf, a riding cart, refreshments on the course, and hot dog and chips at the turn. Join fellow golfers at the end of the round for a steak dinner, competition prizes, raffles, and the Carl Parsell Scholarship Awards ceremony.

The cost to participate is $150 per golfer or $600 per foursome. Opportunities to sponsor a hole are also available for $250. Sponsors will be recognized with a sign at their sponsored hole. All donations are tax deductible.

Proceeds from the Carl Parsell Memorial Scholarship Golf Outing directly fund the MAFF Carl Parsell Scholarship Fund. At least $5,000 in scholarships will be awarded in 2023, adding to the $138,000 the Carl Parsell Scholarship Fund has contributed to deserving scholars over the years.

Click here for more details and here to download the golf outing registration form and sponsorship registration form.

Michigan International Speedway (MIS) and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) are teaming up to celebrate and honor the commitment of First Responders, Law Enforcement and Public Safety personnel during the Michigan International Speedway NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023.

Specially priced tickets for the 2:30 p.m. race are $50 for a reserved grandstand seat. Tickets include an exclusive Michigan International Speedway branded Challenge Coin and $10 from each ticket will be donated to the NLEOMF. 

This offer is available to all First Responders, Law Enforcement, Public Safety and Corrections personnel, friends, family, and the general public.

Click here to order tickets and for more details.

For questions, group orders, or to avoid service fees, contact MIS Account Executive Shea Daley at (607) 300-6103 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..