May 12, 2017

Sens. Warren, Markey, and Reps. Neal, Capuano, Keating, and Moulton Announce Nearly $900k in Grants to Massachusetts Fire Departments

Washington, D.C. - United States Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey along with Representatives Richard Neal, Mike Capuano, Bill Keating and Seth Moulton announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded six fire departments in Massachusetts nearly $900,000 in 2016 Assistance to Firefighters Grants. These grants are awarded to fire departments 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.    

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

• $469,910 grant to the Gloucester Fire Department for portable radios
• $217,120 grant to the Kingston Fire Department for 28 firefighter breathing apparatus
• $88,728 to the Somerville Fire Department for breathing apparatus tanks
• $46,364 to the Ludlow Fire Department for an air compressor / refill system
• $32,228 to the Salem Fire Department for fire hose and breathing apparatus tanks
• $15,634 to the Middleton Fire Department for a turnout gear washer & dryer

"Massachusetts firefighters work hard day in and day out to keep our families safe, and they deserve our support," Senator Warren said. "These federal grants will help ensure that fire departments across the Commonwealth have the equipment they need to serve our communities safely and effectively."

"Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day as they bravely respond to emergency calls and life-threatening situations. ‎This critical federal funding will allow our Massachusetts fire departments to acquire the tools, training and resources to respond to fires and hazards more effectively and to keep our communities safe," said Senator Edward J. Markey. "I applaud all of our local fire chiefs and town and city officials for their efforts in securing these vital funds."

"Chief Babineau and his team deserve great credit for securing this important federal grant. The men and women of the Ludlow Fire Department put their life at risk on a daily basis and deserve every resource necessary to do their job effectively. With today's assistance from FEMA, these brave first responders will continue to keep the people of Ludlow safe," said Congressman Richard E. Neal.

"This federal funding will help our local fire departments stretch precious dollars by giving them grants for additional equipment and supplies. Our fire personnel often encounter dangerous circumstances and it's important that they have the necessary resources," said Representative Mike Capuano.

"The grant to Kingston will provide critical updates for the department's life-saving equipment," said Congressman Bill Keating. "Specifically, the department will use the funds for a new, state-of-the-art breathing apparatus that will replace the older units that have been worn out.  According to the Kingston Fire Chief, this new breathing apparatus will have an innovative system that locates firefighters should they become trapped or lost. This is not just a win for the Fire Department, but for the town's residents whose safety will be enhanced through this funding."

"Our firefighters play an integral role in keeping our communities safe," said Representative Seth Moulton. "They deserve top-quality equipment to do their jobs, and this federal grant will enable the Gloucester and Salem Fire Departments to make critical updates to their communications equipment and safety gear. I'm grateful to FEMA for recognizing the need to invest in our local fire departments."

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

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