Press Releases

BOSTON - United States Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA), along with Representatives Richard E. Neal (D-MA-01), James P. McGovern (D-MA-02), Joseph P. Kennedy III (D-MA-04), Katherine Clark (D-MA-05), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), and Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded fire departments in Massachusetts over $13 million in federal grants to aid Massachusetts firefighters.

Awarded through FEMA's Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER), Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG), and Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) Grants Programs, this funding will assist the Commonwealth's fire departments with the necessary support to protect our communities.

The SAFER grants were awarded to the following cities and towns:

• Quincy, MA - $2,934,840 to hire 16 new firefighters.
• Everett, MA - $1,716,800 to hire eight new firefighters.
• Wilmington, MA - $1,509,600 to hire eight new firefighters.
• Springfield, MA - $1,138,490 to hire eight new firefighters.
• Wrentham, MA - $1,004,828 to hire six new firefighters.
• Randolph, MA - $614,985 to hire four new firefighters.
• Winthrop, MA - $578,022 to hire four new firefighters.
• Weymouth, MA - $559,418 to hire four new firefighters.
• Hopkinton, MA - $548,838 to hire four new firefighters.
• Marion, MA - $152,398 for a call / volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention program.
• Wakefield, MA - $195,229 to hire one new firefighter.
• Groton, MA - $95,055 for a call / volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention program.

The AFG grants were awarded to the following cities and towns: 

• Chicopee, MA - $405,587 for 60 firefighter breathing apparatuses and 83 breathing apparatus face pieces.
• West Springfield, MA - $332,314 for 33 firefighter breathing apparatuses, 43 face pieces, a cardiac monitor and four chest compression devices.
• New Ashford, MA - $219,048 for a water tanker truck.
• Hopedale, MA - $166,667 for 35 portable radios.
• Rowley, MA - $160,000 for 24 firefighter breathing apparatuses.
• Orange, MA - $142,858 for a brush fire truck.
• Wayland, MA - $93,715 for 24 portable radios.
• Upton, MA - $90,250 for Emergency Vehicle Operator Training and two cardiac monitors.
• Kingston, MA - $78,636 for an air compressor - breathing apparatus refill system.
• Sudbury, MA - $78,096 for an air compressor - breathing apparatus refill system and a face piece fit test unit.
• East Bridgewater, MA - $36,265 for firefighter protective gear, a face piece fit test unit, and firefighting hose.
• East Longmeadow, MA - $33,806 for vehicle extrication equipment.
• Bolton, MA - $6,400 for firefighter safety training.

The FP&S grants were awarded to the following cities and towns:

• Springfield, MA - $116,644 to fund a Community Risk Reduction Program.
• Shrewsbury, MA - $14,286 for a smoke and carbon monoxide detector installation program.

"Firefighters across the Commonwealth and the country work tirelessly to protect our families, and it is our duty to ensure they are well-equipped and supported to continue keeping our communities safe," said Senator Elizabeth Warren. "I remain grateful for their service, and congratulate all of the recipients of this well-deserved new funding."

"Our firefighters are committed to ensuring the safety and security of our towns, and this new funding will enhance their ability to do so," said Senator Ed Markey. "These brave first responders 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."

"Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect the residents of the cities and towns they serve," said Congressman Richard E. Neal. "With the acquisition of this federal funding, departments in Chicopee, East Longmeadow and West Springfield will have access to life-saving equipment that will keep them safe while working in dangerous conditions. I am proud to fight for them to make sure their voices are heard and needs are met in Washington." 

"Keeping our first responders safe begins with prevention and detection of dangerous situations before they get out of hand. That's why it's fantastic that Shrewsbury will receive federal funding for this smoke and carbon monoxide detector installation program," said Congressman Jim McGovern. "In addition, a new brush fire truck in Orange will help ensure that firefighters have the right equipment to do their job no matter where a fire breaks out. I'm grateful for these investments in the safety of our communities."

"More than just bravery and courage, firefighters are defined by a selfless, unconditional commitment to keep their neighbors safe," said Congressman Joe Kennedy III. "As our Commonwealth's fire departments work day and night to protect us, this grant funding will allow them to hire more firefighters and modernize the training and equipment necessary to protect them."

"Our fire fighters put their lives on the line every single day to ensure the safety and stability of our communities," said Congresswoman Katherine Clark. "I am incredibly grateful to FEMA for making these investments in the Sudbury and Wayland Fire Departments to ensure that our first responders have the resources needed to be safe on the job." 

"I know what it's like to go into harm's way without the right equipment, like in those days in Iraq when we didn't have the right armor for ourselves or our trucks. We should expect better for the firefighters in our community. I'm glad these FEMA grants have come through, and I'll keep working to make sure firefighters always have the gear and training they need to do their jobs," Congressman Seth Moulton said.

"Our first responders put their lives on the line every single day to protect our families, friends, and neighbors. Federal investments in their health and safety are critical. As a result, I will always offer my support for these types of grants," said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. "This grant funding will help provide the necessary resources to equip and train firefighters so they can meet the needs of their communities. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in securing this important funding and thank them for their dedication and hard work."  

More information about FEMA's fire grant programs is available here.

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