Washington, DC - United States Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey, along with Representatives Richard E. Neal, James P. McGovern, Michael E. Capuano, Stephen F. Lynch, and Joseph P. Kennedy III, Seth Moulton and Katherine Clark announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded eighteen fire departments in Massachusetts approximately $4.8 million in federal grants. Seventeen fire departments received funding through FEMA's Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) program, which provides resources for firefighters and first responders to obtain the equipment, protective gear, training and other resources necessary for protecting the communities they serve.  Additionally, the Dudley Fire Department was awarded a grant through the Staffing for Adequate & Fire Emergency Response (SAFER) program to support the hiring of trained, "front line" firefighters in communities. 

The FEMA fire grants awarded today to Massachusetts fire departments include:

  • $1,016,995 to the Boston Fire Department for portable radios, a firefighter accountability system, and wellness & fitness training.
  • $172,427 to the Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Revere, Somerville, Quincy and Winthrop Fire Departments for technical rescue training.
  • $486,364 to the Fitchburg Fire Department for a pumper truck.
  • $809,524 to the Foxborough Fire Department for an aerial ladder truck.
  • $629,254 to the Georgetown, Groveland and Newbury Fire Departments for firefighter breathing apparatus.
  • $917,007 to the Lowell Fire Department for a firefighter breathing apparatus, firefighter protective gear, and an air compressor / refill system.
  • $476,191 to the Orange Fire Department for a pumper truck.
  • $85,715 to the Orange Fire Department for an air compressor refill system.
  • $37,637 to the Shrewsbury Fire Department for protective gear washers and dryers.
  • $138,856 to the Dudley Fire Department to hire one new firefighter.

"Every day our firefighters put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe," Senator Elizabeth Warren said. "I am grateful for their tireless service and glad that these federal grants will help ensure fire departments across Massachusetts have the resources they need to carry out their mission safely and effectively."

"Our firefighters are committed to ensuring the safety and security of our towns, and this new funding will enhance their ability to do so," said Senator Edward J. Markey. "These heroes deserve the best equipment and resources available to them so they can continue to assist residents in their time of need. I commend all of the local leaders for their persistence in obtaining these critical federal funds."

"Congratulations to the Town of Dudley for their work in securing this federal grant that will add one new firefighter to their force," said Congressman Richard E. Neal. "Having another trained firefighter on staff will certainly benefit the department and the community. This is tremendous news."

"Every single day, courageous firefighters in cities and towns across our commonwealth put their lives on the line to protect us," said Congressman Jim McGovern. "Keeping our communities safe starts with making strong investments in our first responders, and I'm proud that this new funding for firefighting equipment in Orange and Shrewsbury will help us protect them."

"Our firefighters do dangerous work every day. It's important to do everything we can to ensure they have what they need to effectively and safely do their jobs. This federal funding will support rescue training exercises, truck purchases and other necessary equipment, giving our firefighters essential resources," stated Congressman Mike Capuano.

"In Massachusetts we are fortunate to have the best firefighters in the world. So they deserve to have the best equipment and training available," said Congressman Stephen F. Lynch. "These federal grants will help protect our firefighters as they keep our families safe. I am grateful to Boston Fire Commissioner Joe Finn and Quincy Fire Chief Joe Barron, as well as Senators Markey and Warren, for their help securing these grants."

"As stewards of our safety, firefighters risk life and limb to protect our neighborhoods day and night," said Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III. "With these AFG funds and this new ladder truck, the Foxborough Fire Department will be better prepared as they continue their mission to care for their neighbors. I congratulate Chief Hatfield and the entire department on this well-earned and deserved award."

"Our firefighters play an integral role in our communities," said Congressman Seth Moulton. "This grant will help ensure the safety of our first responders. I am grateful to FEMA for recognizing the need to invest in local fire departments and keeping our first responders safe."  

"The brave men and women in our local fire departments are on the frontlines of public safety every day," said Congresswoman Katherine Clark. "I am incredibly grateful for their selfless dedication to our cities and towns and that we were able to secure these additional resources to support their critical work."

More information about FEMA's fire grant programs is available here.

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