Massachusetts fire departments receive $4.5 million in grants

Twenty-seven Massachusetts fire departments recently were awarded nearly $4.5 million in grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Twenty-four fire departments received funding through the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program and two received funding through the Staffing for Adequate and Fire Emergency Response (SAFER) program. In addition, the Fire Protection Research Foundation in Quincy was awarded about $1.5 million through the Fire Prevention and Safety program to study the cleaning and decontamination of structural firefighting protective clothing.

“From the opioid crisis, to storm control, to firefighting, our first responders protect our families every day and are the first to run into danger to keep us safe,” U.S. Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) said. “These federal resources will ensure they have the resources and support they need to keep Massachusetts cities and towns safe and secure.”

The recipients of the SAFER grants, Cohasset and Sherborn Fire Departments, will use the funds to hire new firefighters.

The largest AFG grant, $233,144, was awarded to the Whitman Fire Department. The department will use the funds to purchase firefighter breathing apparatuses.

Other AFG recipients include the Dudley Fire Department, $215,768, and the Brewster Fire Department, $190,023.