WASHINGTON, DC – Senators Edward M. Kennedy and John F. Kerry and Representatives Michael E. Capuano and Stephen F. Lynch announced today that the Boston Fire Department has been awarded a federal grant of $636,000 under the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program to help firefighters deal more effectively with fire-related emergencies and protect the safety of fire personnel and the public. The grant will be used to purchase a new tiller ladder truck that has greater maneuverability in the narrow streets of Boston.

Boston Fire Commissioner Roderick J. Fraser Jr. said, “One of the Department’s top priority is modernizing its fire trucks, and this partnership with the DHS Assistance to Firefighters grant program is critical to helping us meet that goal.”

Keith Maley, spokesman for Senator Kennedy said, “Senator Kennedy is delighted that the Boston Fire Department is receiving this grant to modernize its vehicles and make their urgent missions more effective. The courageous men and women deserve this state-of-the-art equipment to reach fires more quickly often at a time when every moment counts.”

“This funding will allow Chief MacCurtain and the entire Boston Fire Department to respond more effectively to emergency situations in the community, improving the safety of both residents and firefighters," Senator Kerry said. "I commend DHS for giving the Boston Fire Department the resources necessary to perform their very important job."

“This grant will help the City of Boston modernize its fleet, giving firefighters additional resources as they protect the public,” stated Congressman Capuano.

Congressman Lynch said, “This Fire Grant is the direct result of the hard work and commitment of Commissioner Roderick Fraser, Chief Kevin MacCurtain, Deputy Commissioner of Administration and Finance Kathleen Kirleis and the entire Boston Fire Department. By working together, we were able to secure funding that will allow the Boston Fire Department to purchase new equipment which will increase firefighter safety and enhance its ability to carry out its mission.”

"I'm delighted by the support that we received from Senator Kennedy, Senator Kerry, Representative Capuano, and Representative Lynch in securing this grant," Mayor Menino said. "This funding will supply our firefighters with a critical piece of modern equipment to ensure that they can perform their duties to the fullest. The new ladder truck will be an asset to the safety of both the Department and the residents that they protect."

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