August 27, 2018

Massachusetts Lawmakers Announce Approximately $10 Million in Federal Grants to Massachusetts Fire Departments

Plymouth Fire Dept. Awarded Over $2 Million in Federal Funding

Washington, DC - United States Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey, along with Representatives Richard E. Neal, James P. McGovern, Michael Capuano, Stephen F. Lynch, Niki Tsongas, William Keating, Joseph P. Kennedy III, Katherine Clark and Seth Moulton, announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded twenty-two fire departments in Massachusetts approximately $10 million in federal grants, including over $2 million to the Plymouth Fire Department.  Thirteen fire departments received funding through the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program, while eight fire departments were awarded funding through the Staffing for Adequate & Fire Emergency Response (SAFER) program. Additionally, one fire department was awarded a grant through the Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) program.

The AFG grants awarded to Massachusetts fire departments include:

  • $886,364 to the Holyoke Fire Department for an aerial ladder truck.
  • $622,728 to the Quincy Fire Department for a heavy rescue truck.
  • $232,446 to the West Springfield Fire Department for three power cots and ambulance lift systems and firefighter protective gear.
  • $187,041 to the Lincoln Fire Department for firefighter breathing apparatus.
  • $141,819 to the Braintree Fire Department for portable radios.
  • $90,910 to the Weymouth Fire Department for fire officer training.
  • $81,819 to the Newton Fire Department for training and wellness & fitness screening.
  • $77,818 to the Framingham Fire Department for an air compressor/air refill station.
  • $74,286 to the Holbrook Fire Department for two power cots and ambulance lift systems.
  • $53,441 to the Revere Fire Department for technical rescue training.
  • $17,273 to the Stoughton Fire Department for protective gear washer and dryer.
  • $16,138 to the Marblehead Fire Department for a protective gear washer and dryer.
  • $5,848 to the Charlemont Fire Department for firefighter and fire officer training.

The SAFER grants awarded to Massachusetts fire departments include:

  • $2,012,075 to the Plymouth Fire Department to hire twelve new firefighters.
  • $1,643,230 to the Needham Fire Department to hire eight new firefighters
  • $1,260,664 to the Westborough Fire Department to hire eight new firefighters.
  • $926,818 to the Holden Fire Department to hire six new firefighters.
  • $605,698 to the Sudbury Fire Department to hire four new firefighters.
  • $435,483 to the Orange Fire Department to hire three new firefighters.
  • $351,093 to the Winchester Fire Department to hire two new firefighters.
  • $150,028 to the Dunstable Fire Department for a call firefighter recruitment and retention program.

The FP&S grant was awarded to the following fire department:

  • $54,286 to the Boston Fire Department to fund a smoke/co-detector installation program.

"Firefighters in Massachusetts and across the country risk their lives for their communities every day, and we owe it to them to do everything we can to ensure they have the resources they need to continue safeguarding our communities while protecting themselves," said Senator Elizabeth Warren. "These grants will go a long way towards achieving that goal and I am grateful to FEMA for their support."

"We need to support our first responders in the same way they support us - with action and commitment," said Senator Edward J. Markey. "These federal grants will ensure our Commonwealth fire departments have the resources and humanpower they need to keep the public safe and secure. I congratulate them on securing this critical funding."

"The Fire Departments of Holyoke, West Springfield and Charlemont in western Massachusetts will benefit greatly from these timely grants from FEMA. I congratulate Holyoke Fire Chief John Pond, West Springfield Fire Chief William Flaherty, and Charlemont Interim Fire Chief Dennis Annear for their leadership in securing this federal assistance. The brave men and women who serve as firefighters and first responders in our state deserve the necessary resources to do their jobs effectively.  These important grants will make their cities and towns safer," said Congressman Richard E. Neal.  

"I am so grateful for the tireless work and dedication of our first responders," said Congressman Jim McGovern. "Just as our firefighters keep us safe, we need to ensure they have the resources and personnel they need to do their job safely and effectively. I'm proud of the local leaders in Orange, Westborough, and Holden who worked to secure these vital federal dollars. This is fantastic news - and these funds will have a real impact on the safety of our communities." 

"These additional federal fire grants for Braintree, Quincy, Stoughton, Weymouth, and other towns and cities across Massachusetts will provide our dedicated firefighter and emergency services personnel with critical communications equipment, rescue vehicles, protective gear, and emergency training in support of their critical public safety mission behalf of our local communities," said Congressman Stephen F. Lynch.  "I commend Chief James O'Brien of the Braintree Fire Department, Chief Joseph Barron of the Quincy Fire Department, Chief Michael Laracy of the Stoughton Fire Department, and Chief Keith Stark of the Weymouth Fire Department for their continued leadership and commitment in ensuring that our firefighters and emergency personnel have the equipment, resources, and training necessary to safely do their jobs and keep our families safe.  I would like to recognize Braintree's grant writer Lorraine See for her hard work and diligence to secure grants for city of Braintree.  I would also like to thank Senator Warren and Senator Markey for their work in helping to obtain these important grants."

"Ensuring our fire departments have equipment that protects firefighters' health is critical to their mission," said Congresswoman Niki Tsongas. "The Sudbury and Dunstable Fire Departments received these needed federal funds through a competitive grant process, which speaks to both the quality of their applications and the Departments in general. Given the constraints on state and local budgets, competitive grant funds such as these help to maintain public safety in our communities and provide first responders with access to the resources they need to save lives. Our volunteer and career firefighters sacrifice a great deal to protect our communities and it is our duty to provide them with the equipment, staffing and training they need to keep their departments running safely and efficiently."

"Our first-responders are the backbones of our communities," said Congressman Keating.  "The size and scope of this grant award demonstrates the recognition of an already exceptional Plymouth Fire Department that is able to do even more for its town.  I congratulate Chief Bradley and all our firefighters on this deserving award."

"As stewards of our safety, firefighters risk life and limb to protect our neighborhoods day and night," said Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III. "With increased federal funding, the Needham and Newton Fire Departments will be better prepared as they continue their mission to care for their neighbors. I congratulate both departments on these much-needed grants."

"Firefighters keep our communities safe and secure every day," said Congresswoman Katherine Clark. "These additional federal dollars will help to ensure that our fire departments are appropriately staffed and supported as they carry out their vital work across the Massachusetts."

"We've worked hard for these grants and we'll keep working hard for more," said Congressman Seth Moulton. "Investing in our firefighters is investing in our local communities. We rely on their hard work, and they deserve our support."

More information about FEMA's fire grant programs is available here.

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