BOSTON, MA – January 24, 2008 – Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Senator John F. Kerry and Congresswoman Niki Tsongas announced today that the Methuen Fire Department will receive a grant of $16,686 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as part of a program to strengthen the nation’s fire response system. The funds will be used to purchase turnout gear.

 

Senator Kennedy said, “This grant will help give the Methuen Fire Department the state-of-the-art equipment it needs to its job effectively and keep the community safe. We owe the brave men and women of the Fire Department an immense debt for their extraordinary service to the people of Methuen.”

 

Senator Kerry “Methuen’s firefighters put their lives on the line everyday and it’s critical they have the resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” Senator Kerry said. “This funding will allow Chief Gallant to upgrade the Methuen’s Fire Department’s technology, training and equipment, enhancing the department’s ability to respond to emergency situations in the community and improving the safety of both residents and firefighters.”

 

"Our volunteer and career firefighters sacrifice a great deal to protect our communities and it is our duty to provide them with the equipment and training that they need to keep their departments running safely and efficiently," said Congresswoman Tsongas.  "I'm so pleased that the Methuen Fire Department is the recipient of these needed funds, which will help to protect Department members and the communities they serve."

 

This award is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program to strengthen the preparedness of first responders across the country to deal with fires and other emergencies. In Fiscal Year 2007, which ended September 30, awards under the program totaled more than $490 million in competitive grants to fire departments as well as nonaffiliated emergency medical services organizations. For more information, please visit www.firegrantsupport.com.