Fire departments in Maine will benefit from legislation that has now been signed into law. Senators Susan Collins and Gary Peters of Michigan authored the bill to extend federal programs to help support local fire departments across the country. The programs are used to address staffing needs, purchase equipment and develop fire training and education programs as well as improve emergency medical services. In a statement, Senator Collins said, "I am pleased Congress has passed our bipartisan legislation to extend these programs that support fire departments and firefighters as they work to protect lives and property."