Moulton Announces Over $2.1 Million in Federal Firefighter Assistance Grants for Sixth District Communities

SALEM, MA - Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) announced today that fire departments across the Sixth District will receive more than $2.1 million in federal funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. These grants will help local fire departments purchase critical equipment, improve training, and enhance emergency response capabilities.

Communities receiving funding in the first round of awards include:

• Newburyport (Regional with Topsfield and North Reading):$781,818.18 for firefighter breathing apparatus
• Beverly:$251,119.91 for wildland firefighter training and personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Lynnfield:
  • $285,714.28 for a brush truck to improve wildfire response
  • $163,809.52 for wildland PPE and a vehicle exhaust removal system
• Manchester-by-the-Sea:$260,047.62 for firefighter breathing apparatus
• Middleton:$77,619.04 for firefighter turnout gear
• Ipswich:$54,636.19 for CPR devices
• North Andover:$18,064.87 for EMS PPE
• Peabody:$193,181.81 for firefighter training
• Topsfield:$30,857.14 for a vehicle exhaust removal system
• Wakefield:$47,739.45 for firefighter training, automatic external defibrillators, and a vehicle exhaust system

"Fire departments across our district are on the frontlines of everything from medical emergencies to wildfires, and these grants ensure our firefighters will have the gear, training, and resources they need to do their jobs safely," said Congressman Moulton. "I'm especially glad to see significant investments in regional collaboration and wildfire preparedness, which are increasingly important as our communities face new challenges. These investments will help save lives by preparing for the risks of today and tomorrow."

"This grant is a powerful example of what regional collaboration can achieve," said Mayor Sean Reardon of Newburyport. "By working together with Topsfield and North Reading, we've secured critical equipment that will keep our firefighters safe as they protect our communities. Our firefighters put themselves on the line every day, and this investment ensures they have the tools they need to serve effectively and return home safely to their families. We're grateful for this federal support and proud of the teamwork that made it possible."

"This funding from the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is a game-changer for our department and our community," said Mayor Ted Bettencourt of Peabody. "It allows us to invest in life-saving equipment and enhanced training that directly improves our emergency response capabilities. We're deeply grateful for this support-it strengthens our readiness and reaffirms our commitment to protecting the lives and property of our residents."

The FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program provides direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments, nonaffiliated EMS organizations, and state fire training academies to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public and first responders.

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