Sen. Sherrod Brown warns Homeland Security shutdown will affect Ohioans (Video)

LAKEWOOD, Ohio - U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown on Tuesday warned that a possible federal shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security could cripple local fire departments.

The shutdown, which could happen at the end of the month, could -- among other issues -- leave more than 500 fire departments across the state without federal grant money to purchase critical equipment. Tens of thousands of federal employees would be furloughed.

House Speaker John Boehner has said he would allow funding to lapse, as part of dispute over President Barack Obama's immigration policy.

"The last thing Ohioans want is another shutdown that puts our safety at risk," Brown said inside the Lakewood firehouse.

Lakewood asked for $385,000 in grants from the federal government to replace outdated breathing equipment. If that money is unavailable, it could put residents in danger, Brown said.

"If the money's delayed a month or two, these chiefs will have to make decisions," he said.

Cities across the state requested $100 million in grant money to help firefighters.

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