Press Releases

WORCESTER, MA - Today, Congressman Jim McGovern announced $162,000 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants to support training and equipment needs at twenty-five Massachusetts fire departments. 

Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) funding was established through FEMA for the purpose of supporting fire departments. These grants will aid recipient fire departments in obtaining critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources. 

Among the twenty-five towns receiving grants were Barre, Massachusetts, which will receive $82,762 for vehicle extrication equipment, and Warwick, Massachusetts, which will receive $80,000 for a firefighter breathing apparatus.

“I’m so grateful for the around-the-clock work and dedication of our first responders,” said Congressman Jim McGovern. “Our Commonwealth’s firefighters understand the dangers of their job and risk their lives to keep us safe. It’s our responsibility to ensure they have the training and equipment they need to do their job safely. These grants will have a real and lasting impact on the safety of our communities, and I will keep fighting in Congress to make sure we support our firefighters in every way we can.”

"Our brave firefighters are out on the front lines each day working to keep our families safe, and it's up to us to make sure they have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively,” said Senator Warren. “These federal dollars will help ensure that our firefighters have the staffing, training and equipment necessary to continue protecting our communities in the safest way possible."
 
“Firefighters in Massachusetts have earned our unyielding support for the sacrifices they make each day to keep our Massachusetts families safe,” said Senator Markey. “Our cities and towns will benefit from these important federal funds that will further enhance our firefighter programs and equip them with the tools they need to keep us safe.”
 
More information regarding FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters grant programs can be found here: https://www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program.