WASHINGTON, DC -- United States Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey and Congressman Richard Neal announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the Springfield Fire Department a $728,878 grant through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. The funding will be used for the acquisition of firefighter breathing apparatus and to support officer training.

"Every day, our firefighters are out on the front lines keeping our families and communities safe," said Senator Warren.  "Commissioner Conant and the Springfield Fire Department deserve credit for their hard work to get this grant, which will go a long way toward ensuring they have the resources and training they need to do their jobs."

"Every day in communities across Massachusetts, our firefighters are first responder heroes, but even heroes need help. This federal funding for vital firefighting tools and training will help these heroes continue to keep our neighborhoods and families safe. I commend Mayor Dominic Sarno, Commissioner Joseph A. Conant, and Grants Administrative Officer Gary Sullivan for their efforts to secure this important grant," said Senator Markey.

"The brave men and women of the Springfield Fire Department put their lives at risk each day keeping our community safe. They are the first responders to every emergency situation in the city, and I believe they deserve the resources necessary to do their jobs effectively. This federal grant will significantly help them in that effort," said Congressman Neal.

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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