BOSTON – Congressmen Edward Markey and Senators John Kerry and Scott Brown, along with Rep. John Tierney, today announced that four fire departments across Massachusetts will receive $2,768,466 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
 
The funding, awarded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), Fire Prevention and Safety Grant (FP&S), and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant (SAFER) programs, will help improve equipment and training, enhance safety protections, and keep firefighters on the job.

“Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day as they bravely respond to emergency calls,” said Rep. Markey. “This vital federal funding will allow Lexington and Medford to hire new firefighters, ensuring that these fire departments will be adequately staffed and able to more effectively respond to fires and other hazards. I applaud DHS’s effort expand the number of firefighters available to answer the call.”

“Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day for us and the least we can do is keep them as safe as possible,” said Sen. Kerry. “That starts with making sure they have the best job training and most advanced equipment available.”
 
“As Bay Staters well know, our firefighters take heroic actions and put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities,” said Sen. Brown. “This funding goes a long way in the tough economy, helping our fire departments have the personnel and equipment they need to do the job. As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I’ll continue working to fund these critical fire grant programs.”
 
“The Beverly Fire Department has made significant strides in preventing fires through its education program in our schools and senior centers,” said Rep. Tierney. “I commend the Department for its efforts to recognize the residents who still need access to this program, and its work to secure the funds needed to reach them. Federal funds like these are critical investments in our communities, and I will continue to fight to protect them in Congress.”
 
The following fire departments will receive funding:
 
Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER)
 
Medford Fire Department
$1,468,080
 
Lexington Fire Department
$1,025,808
 
Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG)
 
Plainfield Fire Department
$260,490
 
Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S)
 
Beverly Fire Department
$14,088
 
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