CONCORD, MA – July 2, 2008 – Congresswoman Niki Tsongas visited the Concord Fire Department today to meet new firefighters who were recently hired and trained with the aid of federal grant funding.  In addition to meeting the new firefighters, Tsongas viewed new equipment purchased with federal funds she announced earlier this year, and also expressed her strong support for federal programs that benefit local fire departments.

"I was so pleased to meet with Chief Willette and the members of the Concord Fire Department this morning to thank them for their service to our community and for all they do to keep the residents they serve safe,” said Congresswoman Niki Tsongas.  "Concord firefighters, like all of our first responders, sacrifice a great deal to protect their community and it is only right that they have the access to the equipment and training that they need to keep their Departments running safely and efficiently.”

“Two federal grants totaling nearly $500,000 have recently been awarded to help advance these worthy goals by enabling the department to hire and train four new firefighters and to purchase needed fitness equipment.  I believe strongly that the federal government should serve as a partner with cities and towns in the effort to keep the first responders ranks strong and help maintain reliable emergency services.  As I saw this morning, federal grant funds can have a tremendously beneficial impact for our local fire departments and I am pleased that the Concord Fire Department has been able to use them to further strengthen their department," Tsongas concluded.

The federal funds were awarded to the Concord Fire Department through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Firefighters Program.  Both programs help strengthen and aid the preparedness of first responders and fire departments across the country.  Earlier this year, Tsongas held a workshop for local Fifth District first responders to discuss ways to access and utilize funding available through these programs.