Firefighters across Michigan are celebrating after being awarded state grants for new turnout gear.
One department not joining the nearly 200 others touting windfalls is Detroit.
They weren't overlooked when officials decided which agencies would get some of the $15 million available. They didn't apply in time, WDIV reported.
Union officials said they went to Lansing to fight for the money and sent reminders to the city about the deadline. They believe Detroit could have seen $3.5 million.
In response to the union's frustration, Commissioner Chuck Simms replied in a statement: “The city has landed several hundred millions of dollars in state and federal grants in the last three years by prioritizing our most critical needs. The Detroit Fire Department already provides every member with two sets of turnout gear to make sure they are properly equipped, however, we are evaluating whether this grant application should’ve been given higher priority."
Allen Park, Ferndale and Hazel Park are all receiving $70,000 each. Royal Oak and Southfield are both receiving about $181,000 each. Canon Township received $203,000, Ann Arbor received $234,000, and Macomb Township and Brownstown both received $101,500 each.
