Senators John F. Kerry and Scott Brown and Representative Stephen F. Lynch announced today that the Easton Fire Department has been awarded a federal grant of $54,000 under the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.  The funds will be used to purchase two new defibrillator monitors.  The equipment will replace the old monitors, which are more than a decade old, in the town’s two ambulances.

“This money for the firefighters can save lives in Easton, and I’m proud Steve Lynch and I worked together to make it happen,” said Senator Kerry.

“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 Easton is receiving it,” Senator Brown said.
 
Congressman Lynch said, “This Fire Grant is a direct result of the hard work and commitment of Chief Tom Stone and the entire Easton Fire Department.  With our cities and towns struggling during these difficult economic times, this federal funding is crucial and will help ensure that Easton’s first responders have the proper equipment to do their jobs effectively.”

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.

“The defibrillator/monitors to be purchased through the Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program are critical life-saving devices.  The units will incorporate state-of-the-art technology and will serve the citizens of our community for years to come.  We are truly thankful to our federal partners, Senator Kerry, Senator Brown, and Congressman Lynch.  Their continuous support and assistance has made it possible to obtain vital equipment at a time when local funding is not available,” Chief Tom Stone said.