WASHINGTON, DC – Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey and Congressman Joe Kennedy III announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the Newton Fire Department a $409,091 grant through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. The funding will be used for the acquisition of a heavy duty rescue truck for emergencies and incidents that require specialized equipment.

“Newton’s firefighters are out on the front lines keeping our families safe, and we need to ensure they have the right equipment to do their jobs effectively,” said Senator Warren.  “Thank you to Mayor Warren and Chief Proia for their hard work to secure this grant and for their efforts day in and day out to protect our community.”

“Our firefighters and first responders are heroes, but even heroes need help. This funding will ensure the Newton Fire Department has the tools its needs to keep our communities safe and secure. I applaud Mayor Warren and Chief Proia for their efforts securing this vital funding," said Senator Markey.

“Firefighters answer the call to keep our families and neighbors safe without hesitation or concern for their own safety,” said Congressman Kennedy. “Whenever they put their lives at risk to protect ours, it is critical that we provide them with the equipment they rely on. I congratulate Chief Bruce Proia, as well as his entire department, on earning this award and thank them for their continued service to our communities.”

“Providing our first responders with the necessary equipment to keep our community safe is part of our ongoing commitment to unparalleled public safety.  This grant will purchase a Heavy Duty Rescue truck, allowing our firefighters to effectively respond in specialized situations and keeping Newton one of the safest cities in the country,” Mayor Setti Warren said.  “I want to thank Senator Warren, Senator Markey and Congressman Kennedy for their continued support and advocacy on behalf of Newton.”  

“This grant indicates a growing need across this country for this type of specialized rescue operations and allows us to continue to move forward and evolve in the ever changing world we now live in, and fulfill our mission to protect and serve. I am proud of the personnel on the Newton Fire Department who dedicate themselves to this mission and would like to thank them.  I would also like to thank Senator Warren, Senator Markey, and Congressman Kennedy,” Chief Bruce Proia said.

The AFG program is administered by FEMA to ensure that local fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations have the resources and equipment they need to protect communities and emergency personnel from fires and other related hazards. More information on the AFG program is available here.

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