BOSTON – Senators John Kerry and Scott Brown, along with Congressmen Edward Markey, John Tierney, and John Olver, today announced that fire departments across Massachusetts will receive an additional $1,936,499 in federal funding that will go towards improving operations and safety, and the increasing the availability of first responders.

The funding, awarded by both the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants will pay for new equipment and safety gear and help fun programs to increase the number of trained, "front line" firefighters working in communities.

“This money comes just in time for fire departments across Massachusetts,” said Sen. Kerry. “Firefighters put their lives on the line every day and they need the resources to respond every time that alarm bell rings.”

“Firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to keep our citizens safe, and we must ensure they have the necessary equipment and training,” said Sen. Brown. “These resources will help support their efforts, and I am pleased our communities are receiving them.”
 
“Our firefighters bravely answer the call to protect our citizens day in and day out as they respond to emergencies in their community,” said Rep. Markey. “Firefighters deserve the best available equipment so that they can efficiently and effectively ensure the safety and security of the citizens of our cities and towns. I am grateful for their hard work and dedication, and I commend each of these fire departments for pursuing these critical federal funds.”

“As our economy continues to recover, I am pleased that the Lynn Fire Department will be able to hire 10 new fire fighters to protect the community and keep our families safe,” said Rep. Tierney. “This federal funding will prevent the Department from having to permanently deactivate either an engine or ladder company and will improve our first responders ability to safely and adequately perform their jobs."

"Congratulations to Chief Roy and the Fitchburg Fire Department for their hard work," said Rep. Olver. "I am pleased that this funding will allow the department to hire more firefighters in order to better serve and protect the citizens of Fitchburg.”
 
The following fire departments have received AFG funding:
 
Arlington Fire Department
$38,250.00
 
East Bridgewater Fire Department
$37,351.00
 
The following fire departments have received SAFER grant funding:
 
Lynn Fire Department
$1,442,282.00
 
Fitchburg Fire Department
$418,616.00
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