Boston (August 29, 2024) - Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) today announced that they secured $15.78 million in grants for Massachusetts Fire Departments as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program. These awards will support fire departments with personnel management, provide training and education for firefighters, and purchase equipment and supplies. 

“Firefighters courageously serve the public every day, so we must make sure we are serving them. That’s why I fought alongside the Massachusetts delegation to bring close to $16 million and counting back to our fire departments in AFG funding. We must make sure firefighters are safely and fully equipped to do their jobs,” said Senator Markey. 

“I am deeply grateful for our firefighters’ work to keep our communities safe. These federal funds make a real difference for Massachusetts firefighters to have modern safety equipment and the necessary training to protect our communities. I encouraged local fire departments to apply for these grants, and am glad that these resources are benefiting our communities,” said Senator Warren. 

"The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program is a crucial source of federal funding that enhances the safety of both our communities and the brave firefighters we represent. The nearly $16 million in funding has allowed firefighters to be better equipped and better trained to handle the hazards we face, all while alleviating the financial burdens on local municipalities. The Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts (PFFM) thanks Senators Warren and Markey and their teams for their steadfast advocacy in securing this vital funding for our members and the communities we serve,” said Rich MacKinnon, Jr., President of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts. 

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