Senators John Kerry and Scott Brown, along with Congressmen Richard E. Neal, John Tierney, and Stephen F. Lynch, today announced that firefighters and emergency response teams across Massachusetts will receive $1,785,303 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.

"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