McGovern Announces FEMA Grants for Shrewsbury, Orange Fire Departments

WORCESTER, September 18, 2019

WORCESTER, MA - Congressman James P. McGovern (D-MA), alongside United States Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA), announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded over $142K to the Orange Fire Department and over $14K to the Shrewsbury Fire Department. Awarded through FEMA's Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) and Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) Grants Programs, this funding will assist the Commonwealth's fire departments with the necessary support to protect our communities.

"Keeping our first responders safe begins with prevention and detection of dangerous situations before they get out of hand. That's why it's fantastic that Shrewsbury will receive federal funding for this smoke and carbon monoxide detector installation program," said Congressman McGovern. "In addition, a new brush fire truck in Orange will help ensure that firefighters have the right equipment to do their job no matter where a fire breaks out. I'm grateful for these investments in the safety of our communities."

"Firefighters across the Commonwealth and the country work tirelessly to protect our families, and it is our duty to ensure they are well-equipped and supported to continue keeping our communities safe," said Senator Elizabeth Warren. "I remain grateful for their service, and congratulate all of the recipients of this well-deserved new funding."

"Our firefighters are committed to ensuring the safety and security of our towns, and this new funding will enhance their ability to do so," said Senator Ed Markey. "These brave first responders deserve the best equipment and resources available to them so they can continue to assist residents in their time of need. I commend all of the local leaders for their persistence in obtaining these critical federal funds.

The AFG grants were awarded to the following cities and towns: 

  • Chicopee, MA - $405,587 for 60 firefighter breathing apparatuses and 83 breathing apparatus face pieces.
  • West Springfield, MA - $332,314 for 33 firefighter breathing apparatuses, 43 face pieces, a cardiac monitor and four chest compression devices.
  • New Ashford, MA - $219,048 for a water tanker truck.
  • Hopedale, MA - $166,667 for 35 portable radios.
  • Rowley, MA - $160,000 for 24 firefighter breathing apparatuses.
  • Orange, MA - $142,858 for a brush fire truck.
  • Wayland, MA - $93,715 for 24 portable radios.
  • Upton, MA - $90,250 for Emergency Vehicle Operator Training and two cardiac monitors.
  • Kingston, MA - $78,636 for an air compressor - breathing apparatus refill system.
  • Sudbury, MA - $78,096 for an air compressor - breathing apparatus refill system and a face piece fit test unit.
  • East Bridgewater, MA - $36,265 for firefighter protective gear, a face piece fit test unit, and firefighting hose.
  • East Longmeadow, MA - $33,806 for vehicle extrication equipment.
  • Bolton, MA - $6,400 for firefighter safety training.

The FP&S grants were awarded to the following cities and towns:

  • Springfield, MA - $116,644 to fund a Community Risk Reduction Program.
  • Shrewsbury, MA - $14,286 for a smoke and carbon monoxide detector installation program.

More information about FEMA's fire grant programs is available here.

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