Senator Edward Markey, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Congressman Stephen F. Lynch and State Representative James Murphy are pleased to announce today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the Town of Weymouth a new grant in the amount of $265,237. With this money, the Weymouth Fire Department will upgrade the crucial protective gear required to carry out their jobs safely.

This grant will go towards the purchase of new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). "The SCBAs used by Weymouth firefighters were nearing the end of their serviceable lives," said Weymouth Fire Chief Keith Stark, "With this grant, we can help protect our firefighters from harmful smoke inhalation caused by faulty equipment." SCBA's are a device that helps firefighters and other first responders breathe in dangerous atmospheric conditions.

Senator Markey stated "Firefighters in Weymouth are committed to ensuring the safety and security of the Town, and this new grant will enhance their ability to do so. With this new equipment that will help our firefighters breathe in dangerous conditions, the people of Weymouth can breathe easier knowing these brave first responders have the best equipment available to do their jobs. I applaud all the local, state and federal partners for their leadership in securing these important federal funds."

Since 2001, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) has helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment and resources such as protective gear, emergency vehicles, and personnel training. The primary goal of the AFG is to meet the needs of fire departments and other nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations.

"This federal fire grant will go a long way toward making sure our firefighters have the equipment they need to do their jobs and keep our families safe," Senator Warren said. "Mayor Kay, Chief Stark and the Weymouth Fire Department deserve credit for their work to get this grant and for their efforts to protect the community day in and day out."

"This fire grant is a direct result of the hard work and commitment of Mayor Kay, Rep. Murphy, Chief Stark and the entire Weymouth Fire Department," said Congressman Lynch. "Our firefighters are on the front lines every day and they need the proper equipment and training to do their jobs. This federal funding will provide the Weymouth Fire Department with the necessary tools to keep Weymouth's families and themselves safe."

When it comes to the protection of brave first responders, Representative Murphy understands the importance of grants like the AFG. "We are all indebted to firefighters for the enormous risks they take to keep us safe," Representative Murphy said, "providing reliable equipment goes a long way towards protecting them from harm in the line of duty."

In a previous grant, the Weymouth Fire Department purchased new face pieces that replaced ones that were out of compliance. After a review of the current equipment by the members of the Weymouth Fire Department, it was determined that on a needs basis new SCBAs were the priority. The members worked with Weymouth's grant writer Nick Bulens to put together the comprehensive grant package. Thousands of fire houses and municipalities apply for this grant each year and are awarded through a competitive process overseen by fire service experts.