East Longmeadow
East Longmeadow, MA – United States Congressman Richard E. Neal announced a federal grant to the East Longmeadow Fire Department Monday afternoon totaling $132,404.
The award, from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) program will allow the department to purchase new self-contained breathing apparatus.
“This is great news for the East Longmeadow Fire Department,” said Congressman Neal. “The acquisition of new self-contained breathing apparatus will ensure firefighter safety in hazardous conditions and allow them to serve their community more effectively.”
“The East Longmeadow Fire Department is grateful to be awarded a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant,” said Chief Paul J. Morrissette. “These funds will be used to replace 20 obsolete self-contained breathing apparatus with 20 new units that are equipped with the latest safety features meeting the most recent National Fire Protection Association Standards. I would like to thank Congressman Neal and his colleagues at the federal level for their continued support in the Assistance to Firefighters program.”
The primary goal of FEMA’s AFG program is to “enhance the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire-related hazards by providing direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments, nonaffiliated Emergency Medical Services organizations, and State Fire Training Academies. This funding is for critically needed resources to equip and train emergency personnel to recognized standards, enhance operations efficiencies, foster interoperability, and support community resilience.”
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