Press Releases

BARRE, MA –Today Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded the Bare Fire Department a $229,429 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to support their operations and safety. The grant will allow the Barre Fire Department to purchase 32 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) devices to replace very old and well-used devices. Each breathing apparatus provides breathable air essential to helping firefighters do their jobs.

“Investing in our first responders is essential to keeping our communities safe and this grant will help support the great work Chief Rogowski and the Barre Fire Department are doing,” Congressman McGovern said. “I am grateful to the Department of Homeland Security for this grant and for being such a strong partner for our local communities. Every day, the brave service and sacrifice of our Barre firefighters and their families helps to keep Barre safe. I am glad that this award will allow them to purchase the equipment they need to continue this important work.”

“The Barre Fire Department is grateful for the $229,429 received from FEMA for the Fiscal Year 2015 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program,” said Barre Fire Chief Robert Rogowski. “These funds will allow the department to purchase 32 self-contained breathing apparatus devices to replace very old and well-used devices We are proud to help keep Barre safe every day and appreciate this much-needed funding.”

The primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations. Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.

For more information about the AFG program, click here.

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