Press Releases

Springfield, MA – Today, Congressman Richard E. Neal announced $547,000 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) to support training, obtain critically needed equipment, acquire emergency vehicles, and secure personal protective equipment (PPE) for departments across the First District of Massachusetts.

Eight communities in western and central Massachusetts receiving funds include:

• West Springfield – $40,909 for 5 thermal imaging cameras
• Wilbraham – $128,571 for 3 power stretchers and stretcher/ambulance load systems
• Lanesborough – $27,942.86 for vehicle extrication equipment
• Westfield – $30,445.45 for 4 protective gear dryers
• East Longmeadow - $17,933.61 for PPE
• Charlton – $5,536.67 for PPE and $148,190.48 for operations and safety
• Ludlow - $103,719.98 for operations and safety
• North Adams Ambulance Service - $43,636.36 for vehicle acquisition

“Firefighters and first responders put their lives on the line each day they go to work, and our communities are grateful for their dedication to keeping our families safe,” said Congressman Neal. “I have long been a supporter of the AFG program because it provides for our fire departments today and for years to come. I’ll continue to advocate for this program in Congress to ensure the support for our firefighters is secure.”

More information regarding FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters grant programs can be found HERE.

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