CONTACT: Alec Gerlach (Cowan), 202-224-4159, Lacey Rose (Warren), 202-224-4543, Eben Burnham-Snyder (Markey), 202-225-2836, Lauren Amendolara (Keating), 202-225-3111
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senators Elizabeth Warren and William “Mo” Cowan and Congressmen Ed Markey and Bill Keating announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded grants totaling $248,000 to help meet firefighting and emergency response needs in the cities of Orleans, Sudbury and Winthrop.
“These grants will help ensure that firefighters have the resources and equipment they need to be ready in times of emergency and to protect our families, cities, and towns,” said Senator Warren. “I’m pleased Orleans, Sudbury, and Winthrop have been awarded these grants. We must support our local fire departments and the first responders who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.”
“We know the critical role our first responders play in protecting our communities, and we rightly offer them our highest praise for their selfless work. But, our praise alone can’t keep their vehicles in working order and buy them all the equipment they need to do their jobs,” said Senator Cowan. “With this funding our firefighters and first responders will have the chance to obtain the equipment they need to protect them as they keep our communities safe.”
"We must support our police, firefighters and other first responders in the same way they support us, with action,” said Rep. Markey. “That's why this funding for firefighters is so vital. There's no price that can be placed on the value of heroism, but this money will go a long way towards giving our first responders what they need to keep doing their jobs for the public."
“Grants for our firefighters and emergency services personnel remain a vital part of keeping our communities safe,” said Rep. Keating. “The funds that have been awarded to Orleans will ensure that our fire department is fully staffed and has necessary resources, including life-saving equipment. Our firefighters support our communities each day; it is our duty to support them.”
The grant awards of a combined total of more than $248,000 were awarded under the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program, with the Sudbury Fire Department receiving $192,168, the Winthrop Fire Department receiving $49,258 and the Orleans Fire Department receiving $7,207 in funds.
The AFG program awards federal grants to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations. AFG funds have helped firefighters and other first responders procure equipment and provide resources needed in their effort to protect local communities, including protective gear, emergency vehicles and training.
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