Press Releases

LOWELL, MA - Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) announced $248,181 in federal grant funding for the Gardner Fire Department. The funding, awarded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program, will be used to provide for critical breathing apparatuses.

“There’s no question that the Gardner firefighters who show up to work each day and go above and beyond the call of duty are local heroes,” Congresswoman Trahan said. “They and their loved ones deserve to know that when they show up to work each day, they’ll have the equipment they need to do their jobs as safely as possible, and return home after each shift. This federal investment will help deliver that assurance, and I’m happy to help deliver these funds to the department.”

“This was excellent news to hear. Our first responders have gone above and beyond in their duties, particularly during the current pandemic, and they deserve to have the equipment they need to keep themselves safe,” said Mayor Nicholson. “This type of equipment usually has a lifespan of 10 years, and we are well over that on our current equipment. This type of equipment is necessary to keep our firefighters safe, and I’m proud to see us be able to update our existing inventory.”

“I am very excited to see this funding come through. The last time we purchased this type of equipment was in 2007, however, we did not have the funding to purchase the apparatus for every firefighter. As a result, half of our officers have one brand of equipment and the other half have a different brand. If any of our firefighters ever have an emergency with their units, they should be thinking about how to quickly protect themselves, not having to worry about which brand of equipment they put on while rushing out the door. This grant allows us to ensure that we are protecting the safety of our employees and helps keep them safe when they run into these dangerous situations,” said Gardner Fire Chief, Richard Ares.

Background:

Since 2001, the AFG program has helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critical equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.

Since being sworn in last January, Congresswoman Trahan has been an avid supporter of fire departments across the Third District. During FY20 appropriations negotiations, she assisted in securing funds for the AFG program. Most recently, during the coronavirus pandemic, Trahan voted in favor of the CARES Act, which authorized $100 million for the purchase of personal protective equipment and related supplies for our responders. She also supported passage of the Heroes Act, which if signed into law, would provide another $500 million for the AFG program.

As negotiations continue on the next COVID-19 relief package, Trahan continues to advocate for funding to support local heroes like the firefighters at the Gardner Fire Department.

More information regarding FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters grant programs can be found here: https://www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program.

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