BOSTON – Senators John Kerry and Scott Brown, along Congressmen John Olver and Stephen F. Lynch, today announced that firefighters and emergency response teams across Massachusetts will receive an additional $746,663 in federal funding to improve the safety of our communities and firefighters.

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