Grants earmarked for Massachusetts fire departments

Eighteen Massachusetts fire departments are slated to receive $4.8 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants.

Officials said 17 of the departments received funding through FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) program, which provides resources for firefighters and first responders to obtain the equipment, protective gear, training and other resources necessary for protecting the communities they serve. The last department received a grant from the Staffing for Adequate & Fire Emergency Response (SAFER) program to support the hiring of trained frontline firefighters in communities.

Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) joined Massachusetts Reps. Richard E. Neal (D-MA), James P. McGovern (D-MA), Michael E. Capuano (D-MA), Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA), Joseph P. Kennedy III (D-MA), Seth Moulton (D-MA), and Katherine Clark (D-MA) in announcing the initiative.

“Our firefighters are committed to ensuring the safety and security of our towns, and this new funding will enhance their ability to do so,” Markey said. “These heroes deserve the best equipment and resources available to them so they can continue to assist residents in their time of need. I commend all of the local leaders for their persistence in obtaining these critical federal funds.”

Capuano echoed Markey’s sentiments regarding the allocation.

“Our firefighters do dangerous work every day,” he said. “It’s important to do everything we can to ensure they have what they need to effectively and safely do their jobs. This federal funding will support rescue training exercises, truck purchases, and other necessary equipment, giving our firefighters essential resources.”