Senators John F. Kerry and Scott Brown and Representative Stephen F. Lynch announced today that the Bridgewater Fire Department, in Bridgewater, MA, has been awarded a federal grant of $65,867 under the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.  The funds will be used to purchase equipment, including new RIT Packs and Thermal Imaging Devices.
 

“This is critical funding to give our first responders the equipment to save lives,” Senator Kerry said.

“Our firefighters selflessly put themselves in harm’s way to protect our safety, but they need up-to-date equipment so they can effectively do their jobs. This funding is an important step toward ensuring they have the proper tools and resources, and I’m pleased Bridgewater is receiving it,” Senator Brown said.
 
Congressman Lynch said, “This Fire Grant is a direct result of the hard work and commitment of Chief George Rogers and the entire Bridgewater Fire Department.  With our cities and towns struggling during these difficult economic times, this federal funding is crucial and will help ensure that our firefighters have the proper equipment and training to do their jobs effectively and safely.”

Funded by Congress, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is designed to increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, EMS programs, and Fire Prevention and Safety Programs, and fund the purchase of new firefighting equipment.   The total of all 2010 awards will represent a $390 million investment to enhance fire and EMS service delivery throughout the United States.

“This grant will go towards essential equipment that will help our firefighters keep Bridgewater safe,” Chief Rogers said.  “This is the department’s fourth federal fire grant in five years and I thank Senators Kerry and Brown and Congressman Lynch for their support.”