BOSTON, MA – Senators Edward M. Kennedy and John Kerry and Congressman John F. Tierney today announced that the Amesbury Fire Department has received a federal grant of $207,000 under the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Programs. The funding will be used for operations and safety equipment.

Senator Kennedy said, “The brave firefighters of Amesbury work every day to protect their community. We owe them all the support they need to perform their jobs safely and effectively. I commend the Department of Homeland Security for providing this needed federal assistance."

"This funding will allow Amesbury 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 Amesbury firefighters the resources necessary to perform their very important jobs."

"As our firefighters represent one of the first lines of defense against disaster, it is vital that we provide them with the funding necessary to do their jobs well. I am happy that federal assistance will go to support these everyday heroes as they protect our communities," said Congressman John Tierney (D-Salem).

"The continued support for the fire service in Massachusetts and the country by Representative Tierney, and the rest of the Massachusetts delegation, has been tremendous. These funds will allow our firefighters to be safe as they continue to put themselves in harms way to protect their community," said Chief William Shute.

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