July 25, 2017

Sens. Warren, Markey, and Reps. McGovern, Capuano, and Keating Announce $2.2 million in Grants to Massachusetts Fire Departments

Washington, DC - United States Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey along with Representatives Jim McGovern, Mike Capuano, and Bill Keating announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded five fire departments in Massachusetts nearly $2.2 million in federal grants. Three fire departments received Assistance to Firefighters Grants, totaling nearly $1 million, to help provide the critical resources required to train and equip emergency personnel in order to meet official standards, increase efficiency and interoperability, and help make departments and the communities they serve more resilient. Two additional fire departments were awarded over $1.2 million through the Staffing for Adequate & Fire Emergency Response (SAFER) program to support the hiring of trained, "front line" firefighters in communities.

The FEMA fire grants awarded today to Massachusetts fire departments include:

• $545,455 to the Chelsea Fire Department for a Heavy Rescue Truck.
• $118,627 to the Gill Fire Department for 20 Firefighter Breathing Apparatuses.
• $271,429 to the Onset Fire Department for a Tanker Truck.
• $608,428 to the Eastham Fire Department to hire four new firefighters.
• $655,321 to the Northbridge Fire Department to hire four new firefighters.

"All across Massachusetts, our firefighters are working day in and day out to keep our families and neighborhoods safe." Senator Elizabeth Warren said. "These grants will help support our brave first responders, and ensure our local fire departments have the staff and resources they need to carry out their mission and protect our communities."

"Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day as they bravely respond to emergency calls. This vital federal funding will allow our cities and towns to hire new firefighters and utilize the best tools to more effectively respond to fires and other hazards," said Senator Edward J. Markey. "I commend FEMA's effort to support our first responders who answer the call and applaud our Massachusetts local leaders who helped secure this vital funding."

"Keeping our communities safe starts with strong investments in our first responders. These grants for fire departments in Gill, Northbridge, and cities and towns across Massachusetts will support the incredible work our firefighters are doing every day to protect our families and communities," Congressman Jim McGovern said. "I am proud to work with strong partners like Senator Warren and Senator Markey to ensure that our firefighters always have the support and resources they need."

"Our first responders put their lives on the line for us and for the communities they serve. These federal funds will provide equipment and personnel for a number of Massachusetts fire departments, which will help stretch precious local dollars and give officials access to additional resources," stated Congressman Mike Capuano, who represents the City of Chelsea.

"I am very proud to join my colleagues in announcing this critical funding for firefighters in our Massachusetts communities," said Rep. Bill Keating. "Receipt of this funding will provide the Onset Fire Department with a much-needed new tanker truck and the Eastham Fire Department with the ability to hire four new firefighters. These grants are an important step in ensuring that these brave men and women have the resources they need to continue serving as the first line of defense for our communities."

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

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