WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, Congressman Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA) announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region I awarded a total of $70,477 in grant funding for the East Bridgewater Fire Department. This grant will support two power stretchers and ambulance power load systems 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.

“Firefighters are at risk every day, and they require the latest technology to allow them to work more efficiently. This grant will enable the East Bridgewater Fire Department to purchase two Power Stretchers and two Ambulance Power Load devices.” Firefighters will be able decrease the time it takes to get victims to hospitals for treatment, said Congressman Stephen Lynch. “Thank you to Chief Timothy Harhen and the East Bridgewater Fire Department for securing this grant.”

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.