Washington (August 25, 2022) — Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representatives Richard E. Neal (MA-01), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Bill Keating (MA-09), Lori Trahan (MA-03), and Jake Auchincloss (MA-04) today announced that Massachusetts towns will receive over $2 million in FY2021 funding from FEMA as a part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants.

“Massachusetts firefighters are our frontline defense against climate disasters,” said Senator Ed Markey. “This critical funding will ensure that fire departments across our Commonwealth have the support they need to acquire life-saving equipment, train the next generation of first responders, and fight back against fires and accidents that too often put Massachusetts families in harm’s way.”

“Firefighters in the Commonwealth and across the country put their lives on the line every day in order to keep our families safe, and we need to make sure they have our full support," said Senator Elizabeth Warren. "Federal grants like these will help keep our brave first responders safe and ensure that our local fire departments have the training, equipment, and resources they need to continue protecting our communities."

“Assistance to Firefighters Grants fund critically needed investments in fire stations across our country,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal, Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means. “The awards in this round will benefit North Adams, Wilbraham, and Ludlow as well as the communities they serve with more funding for training and lifesaving equipment. I continue to support these programs through FEMA because we all benefit from their investment.”

“Firefighters across the Commonwealth put themselves at risk every day to protect us, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they have the resources they need to do their job in the safest way possible,” said Chairman James P. McGovern. “I’m grateful that this grant will help the Northborough Fire Department make critical equipment updates that will have a lasting impact on the safety of our community, and I will keep fighting in Congress to make sure we support our firefighters in every way we can.”

“This federal funding for firefighters continues to be a lifeline for our communities,” said Congressman Bill Keating. “From new equipment to additional training, it’s imperative ensure those who protect us are protected themselves.”

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to see the fire departments in Ayer and Stow receive this critical federal investment,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. “Not only will this funding support the brave firefighters who work around the clock to keep their communities safe, but the new vehicle extrication and training equipment will also help save lives. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to increase federal investments that support our brave firefighters, and I look forward to continuing our work with local departments to make sure they get the funding they need.”

“This grant will enable Newton’s Fire Department to recruit and train more firefighters, as well as fund mental wellness support for our front-line responders as they work to keep our city safe,” said Congressman Jake Auchincloss.

The grants will help provide various towns in Massachusetts with funding for firefighter training, CPR devices, and firefighter extrication equipment. This aid was awarded to towns across the Commonwealth as part of the FY2021 Assistance to Firefighters Grants funding from FEMA.

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