Delahunt Announces $450,000 Grant For Hyannis Fire Department

05/16/2008

WASHINGTON, DC – Senators Edward M. Kennedy and John F. Kerry and Representative William Delahunt announced today that the Hyannis Fire Department has been awarded a $450,000 port security grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  The funds will enable the Fire Department to acquire an emergency response vessel.

Hyannis Fire Chief Harold Brunelle said, “This emergency response vessel is a much needed piece of apparatus that will go a long way in providing safety and security for our citizens and protecting out infrastructure. The vessel will also be available to respond to any maritime emergency, upon request, year round. I am grateful to all the advice and assistance I received from Senators Kennedy and Kerry, Congressman Delahunt and their respective staffs with the application and awarding of this grant.”

Senator Kennedy said, “This is outstanding news for the residents and businesses of the Cape and Islands.  We’re all deeply grateful for the outstanding work of Chief Brunelle and the brave men and women of the Hyannis Fire Department and this grant is imminently well deserved.”

"This funding will allow the Hyannis Fire Department to respond more effectively to emergency situations in the community, improving the safety of both residents and firefighters," Senator Kerry said. "I commend DHS for giving the Hyannis Fire Department the resources necessary to perform their very important job."

"I am pleased that the Hyannis Fire Department will be able to use this funding to purchase a much needed emergency response vessel to respond to public hazards in Nantucket Sound," said Delahunt. "Given the high volume of vessel traffic in the area, it is important that the Hyannis Fire Department have this equipment." 

Hyannis Fire Department will use the funds to purchase an emergency response vessel, which will provide the Department with equipment to respond to chemical and radioactive hazards.  The vessel will be used to assist all of Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. 

 

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