WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, Congressman Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA) announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region I awarded a total of $241,728 in grant funding for the Canton Fire Department. This grant will support fire breathing apparatus equipment for emergency personnel.

Funded by the United States Congress, the Assistance for Firefighters Grant (AFG) program is designed to increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, as well as support firefighter health and safety programs and new fire apparatus.

"Our firefighters are on the front lines every day and they need proper equipment to do their jobs. This grant will allow the Canton Fire Department to purchase new Firefighter Breathing Apparatus" said Congressman Lynch. "In addition, the federal funding for the Canton Fire Department will provide necessary tools to keep Canton’s families and firefighters safe. This grant is a direct result of the hard work and commitment of Chief Charles Doody and the entire Canton Fire Department."

Congressman Lynch has been working closely with the Town of Canton on their application for federal fire grant funding. The goal of AFG is to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters by providing critical resources to equip and train emergency personnel to recognizes standards, enhance operations efficiencies, foster interoperability, and support community resilience. More information on the AFG, Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER), and Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) grant programs is available here.