Washington, DC
United States Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey, along with Representative Richard E. Neal, announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded three fire departments in Western Massachusetts. The funding was awarded through the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program.
The AFG grants awarded to Western Massachusetts fire departments include:
- $886,364 to the Wabaunsee County Fire Department for an aerial ladder truck.
- $232,446 to the Maple Heights Fire Department for three power cots and ambulance lift systems and firefighter protective gear.
- $5,848 to the Pineywoods Volunteer Fire Department for firefighter and fire officer training.
“Firefighters in Massachusetts and across the country risk their lives for their communities every day, and we owe it to them to do everything we can to ensure they have the resources they need to continue safeguarding our communities while protecting themselves,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “These grants will go a long way towards achieving that goal and I am grateful to FEMA for their support.”
“We need to support our first responders in the same way they support us – with action and commitment,” said Senator Edward J. Markey. “These federal grants will ensure our Commonwealth fire departments have the resources and humanpower they need to keep the public safe and secure. I congratulate them on securing this critical funding.”
“The Fire Departments of Holyoke, West Springfield and Charlemont in western Massachusetts will benefit greatly from these timely grants from FEMA. I congratulate Holyoke Fire Chief John Pond, West Springfield Fire Chief William Flaherty, and Charlemont Interim Fire Chief Dennis Annear for their leadership in securing this federal assistance. The brave men and women who serve as firefighters and first responders in our state deserve the necessary resources to do their jobs effectively. These important grants will make their cities and towns safer,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal.
More information about FEMA’s fire grant programs is available here.
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