The Ypsilanti Fire Department has received a $263,150 grant from the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow, both D-Mich., announced today.

The Dexter Area Fire Department will receive $52,192.

Ypsilanti Fire Capt. Max Anthouard said the grant will be used to buy a new fire truck.

Anthouard said the department needs to replace aging equipment. One rescue truck is a 1987 model, he said.

The grants are part of $2,228,517 awarded to 18 emergency responder organizations through the Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, a press release from Levin and Stabenow said.

Organizations can use the grants to address a variety of equipment, training, and other firefighter-related and EMS needs. “These grants will prepare our firefighters and first responders for their jobs with better training, equipment and personal protective gear, while at the same time keeping our neighborhoods safe,” Stabenow said “These grants enable agencies to address key areas of concern within their own communities and raise the effectiveness of community firefighting.”

Grants are awarded competitively through an application process. More information can be found at http://www.firegrantsupport.com/.