September 25, 2019

Warren, Markey, McGovern, Moulton Announce Over $1.6 Million in Grants to Massachusetts Fire Departments

Brockton Fire Dept. Awarded Over $570K for a Fire Pumper Engine


Over $32 Million Awarded to Massachusetts Fire Departments in 2019


Boston, MA - United States Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA), along with Representatives James P. McGovern (D-MA-02) and Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded four fire departments in Massachusetts a total of $1,649,311 in competitive federal grants. The funding was awarded through the agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program and Staffing for Adequate Emergency Response Grant (SAFER) Program.

Since August 2019, FEMA has awarded over $32 million in federal grants to fire departments across the Commonwealth.

The AFG grants were awarded to the following towns and cities: 
  • Brockton, MA - $572,728 for a fire pumper engine. 
  • Millbury, MA - $562,528 for a fire pumper engine. 
  • Gloucester, MA - $424,055 for an Emergency Vehicle Operator, a pump operator, and an aerial ladder operator training program.
The SAFER grant was awarded to:
  • Ware, MA - $90,000 for a volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention program.

"Firefighters in Massachusetts and across the country risk their lives to keep our families safe -- they deserve nothing less than our full support," said Senator Elizabeth Warren. "Our communities in Brockton, Millbury, Gloucester, and Ware came together successfully in their fight for this critical funding, and I'll continue to support them and all of our fire departments in their ongoing efforts."

"Our firefighters risk their lives every day to protect our communities, but even our hometown heroes need help" said Senator Ed Markey. "I commend our communities for securing these important federal funds to put the best possible equipment in the hands of our brave first responders and strengthen our firefighter programs."

"I'm so grateful for the around-the-clock work and dedication of our first responders," said Congressman Jim McGovern. "Just as firefighters keep us safe every day, we need to make sure they have the resources and training they need to do their job safely and effectively. This federal funding for Ware is going to help ensure that we have enough firefighters to safely deal with any emergency. It is fantastic news that will have a real and lasting impact on the safety of our community, and I am grateful for the local leaders who worked hard to secure this important grant."

"I know what it's like to go into harm's way without the right equipment, like in those days in Iraq when we didn't have the right armor for ourselves or our trucks. We should expect better for the firefighters in our community. I'm glad these FEMA grants have come through, and I'll keep working to make sure firefighters always have the gear and training they need to do their jobs," Congressman Seth Moulton said.

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