The Haverhill Fire Department is receiving nearly $813,000 for firefighter breathing equipment—one of the largest awards in the state in this year’s round of federal Assistance to Firefighters Grants.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency said Friday the money is part of $11.7 million distributed in Massachusetts in the award category. Grants are intended to be used to “outfit responders with compliant personal protective equipment, acquire emergency response vehicles, and develop health, wellness and resiliency initiatives to prepare responders for incidents.”
Officials added, “FEMA disburses this money to support firefighters and other emergency personnel because they are often the first ones on the scene when disaster strikes. They play an essential role in keeping American communities safe.”
The agency noted it made $48 million available nationwide for three fire grant programs, which also include Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response, known as SAFER, and Fire Prevention and Safety grant program.