Washington, DC - U.S. Congressman John F. Tierney (D-MA), together with Senators John Kerry and Scott Brown, today announced that the Salem Fire Department will receive $214,596 in federal funds under the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. The funding will be used to purchase a new radio and communication system.
"Salem's first responders risk their lives whenever called upon to protect our families and communities. In an emergency, it is vital that they have the necessary resources to respond immediately. This funding will allow the Salem Fire Department to upgrade critical equipment and help keep those who serve our communities safe as they protect us," said Congressman John Tierney.
"This is a moral issue, pure and simple. Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day and we've got a fundamental responsibility to keep them as safe as possible. This investment will allow Chief David Cody to upgrade equipment and enhance the department's ability to respond to emergency situations quickly and effectively," said Senator Kerry.
"Every day, our hardworking firefighters risk their lives to keep our families and communities safe, and we owe it to them to provide the financial resources to keep them safe in their incredibly dangerous jobs. This funding is an important step in that direction, and I am pleased our firefighters will soon receive upgraded equipment that will allow them to better carry out their work," said Senator Brown.
The Salem Fire Department was selected to receive the funding after undergoing a competitive application process. The Salem Fire Department intends to use the AFG funding to replace all portable radios with the newest technology.
"Communications are paramount in keeping our firefighters safe. The radios purchased with these grant funds will put state of the art technology in the hands of Salem firefighters. Along with the portable radios the infrastructure that connects the entire system is also being updated. Congressman Tierney's continued support for the Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program will enhance the safety of the department for years to come," said Salem Fire Chief Dave Cody.
"Providing a new, state-of-the-art radio and communication system to our Fire Department is critical in maintaining the best possible fire prevention and safety services to our residents. Thank you to Congressman John Tierney and Salem's other elected leaders at the federal level for their strong support and advocacy in securing this grant funding. Without federal monies this important upgrade would not have been possible," said Mayor Kimberley Driscoll.
The Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant program (AFG) awards one-year grants directly to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service (EMS) organizations to improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations, purchase protective equipment and to establish or expand fire prevention training programs throughout the United States.
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