The funding, awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG), will go towards training, health programs, new safety equipment and emergency vehicles, and increased training for front line firefighters in communities.

"Massachusetts firefighters put their lives on the line every time that alarm bell sounds, and this investment helps them have the best equipment and training to keep them safe and ready to respond,” said Sen. Kerry.

“I am thankful that our local fire departments will receive these critical resources,” said Sen. Brown. “I will continue working within the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to make sure the Assistance to Firefighters Grants are there for our heroic firefighters.”

“The brave men and women who work in our local fire departments deserve to have the best training and equipment in order to do their jobs effectively. These important federal grants will help our firefighters and first responders keep cities and towns in Massachusetts safe,” said Rep. Neal.

“Particularly in the wake of the tragic recent deaths of fighters in Peabody and Worcester, it is imperative that we ensure the safety of our local firefighters as they protect us. These funds will help support the brave efforts of our firefighters in Amesbury, Topsfield, and Nahant, and ensure they have the equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Rep. Tierney.

“With our firefighters on the front lines every day, this funding is crucial,” said Rep. Lynch.  “I commend Chief Kevin Murphy and the entire Braintree Fire Department for their hard work and commitment in securing this fire grant.  This funding will go a long way in helping our firefighters keep the town of Braintree safe.”

The following fire departments have received AFG funding:

Nahant Fire Department

$717,250

Charlton Fire Department

$268,361

Topsfield Fire Department

$134,400

Lenox Fire Department

$128,440

Rockland Fire & Rescue

$115,487

Wilbraham Fire Department

$99,944

Southern Berkshire Volunteer Ambulance/Great Barrington

$85,861

Braintree Fire Department

$72,847

Quincy Fire Department

$68,800

Northampton Fire Department

$49,500

Amesbury Fire Rescue

$27,313
 

The funding, awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG), will go towards training, health programs, new safety equipment and emergency vehicles, and increased training for front line firefighters in communities.

“The recent tragedies in Worcester and Peabody drove home the reality that firefighters put their lives on the line every single day. This investment is one necessary step to provide our firefighters with state of the art equipment and training to be as safe as possible,” said Sen. Kerry.

“I’m thankful that Massachusetts has been awarded yet another round of grants that will provide our firefighters with important training and safety equipment,” said Sen. Brown.  “Our heroes deserve to have these vital tools as they work to protect our communities. I will continue supporting the Assistance to Firefighters Grants program through my work on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.”

“These federal funds allow our local fire departments to purchase the vehicles and equipment that they need to protect our communities and that they otherwise would not be able to afford,” said Rep. Olver.

“Our firefighters are on the front lines every day, and they need the proper equipment and training to do their jobs effectively.  With our cities and towns struggling during these difficult economic times, these federal fire grants are crucial,” said Rep. Lynch.  “I commend Chief Richard Francis and the Brockton Fire Department and Chief Charles Doody and the Canton Fire Department for their hard work and diligence in securing these grants.  The funding will go a long way in helping our firefighters keep their communities and themselves safe.”

The following fire departments have received AFG funding:

Freetown Fire Department
$72,250

Canton Fire Department
$58,500

Brockton Fire Department
$280,000

Tolland Volunteer Fire Department
$260,538

Norfolk Fire Department
$62,125

Town of Williamstown
$14,250
 

“Ensuring that our children have a safe and stable environment in which to learn is essential,” Congressman Stephen F. Lynch said.  “This grant will give Brockton a real boost as they provide students with a quality education and the tools to succeed.  I congratulate Mayor Balzotti, Police Chief William Conlon and Michael Thomas, the Executive Director of Operations for the Brockton Public Schools, on securing this funding.”

Brockton was one of 93 law enforcement agencies and municipalities nationwide to receive the highly competitive COPS SOS funding.  Specifically, the grant will be used to help fund security equipment, technology and violence prevention resources including new interior and exterior locks, lighting and security cameras, security training for School Police Officers and anti-bullying and violence prevention curriculum.  The funding represents half of the total cost for the planned security equipment, technology, and violence prevention resources.  In addition, the Brockton School Police Department will partner with school administrators, teachers, students and parents to identify ways to prevent school violence and foster safe learning environments.  The program will target Brockton High School, eight middle schools and three alternative schools in the Brockton public school district.  A new panel, the Brockton Safe Schools Advisory Team, will meet periodically to monitor and assess the effectiveness of the school safety measures. 

“The most vital role of our public schools is to prepare our young people for the future.  Achieving that goal is not possible without first creating a safe environment that is welcoming to students and their families,” said Mayor Linda M. Balzotti. “This funding will help provide technology and other resources to help bolster ongoing safety initiatives in our school buildings.”

“The Brockton Police Department is very happy to have partnered with the Brockton Public Schools in successfully obtaining these very significant federal grant funds.   This award will enable us to considerably upgrade the safety and security of our city’s schools.  In today’s challenging economic times, these funds give us the opportunity to do now what otherwise might have been greatly difficult to accomplish,” Police Chief William Conlon said.     

“The safety and security of students and staff is always our first priority.  The COPS grant will fund the purchase of the latest security technology like LobbyGuard, remote security cameras and lighting for schools across the city,” said Michael P. Thomas, Executive Director of Operations for the Brockton Public Schools.  “Students and staff should feel safe and secure in their schools, so that they can focus on the most important thing – learning and teaching.  This grant will help us to strengthen our schools and make them safe and supportive learning environments.”