Senators John Kerry and Scott Brown, along with Representatives Niki Tsongas and Stephen F. Lynch, today announced that firefighters and emergency response teams across Massachusetts will receive $2,239,190 in federal funding to improve the safety of our communities and firefighters.

The funding, awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG), will go towards training, health programs, new safety equipment and emergency vehicles, and increased training for front line firefighters in communities.
 
“With so many fire departments across the state being forced to get by on so little, this funding will make sure they have the equipment and training they need to be ready to respond every time that alarm bell sounds,” said Sen. Kerry.
 
“I’m proud that our heroes will get the equipment and training they need.  I will continue working to make sure this important assistance program remains available to the men and women who serve our communities,” said Sen. Brown.
 
“Our fire and rescue personnel selflessly serve our communities and it is so important that they have the emergency equipment they need to do their jobs and stay safe. I congratulate the Haverhill Fire Department for their work in obtaining these federal funds which will help protect members of the Department as well as the City,” said Rep. Tsongas.
 
?“This fire grant is the direct result of the hard work and commitment of Chief Richard Francis and the entire Brockton Fire Department.  I am pleased that we were able to secure funding that will allow the Brockton Fire Department to purchase new thermal imaging devices and portable radios, giving our firefighters the equipment necessary to effectively respond to the needs of the Brockton community,” said Rep. Lynch.
 
The following fire departments have received AFG funding:
 
Melrose Fire Department
$677,120
 
New Bedford Fire Department
$635,392
 
Brockton Fire Department
$438,455
 
Haverhill Fire Department
$319,584
 
Onset Fire Department
$168,639