Washington Reps Help Secure $160K for Critical Woburn Fire Safety Gear

Press Release

The City of Woburn's Fire Department has received a federal grant totaling $160,074 under the Federal Awards for Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG), and Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) Awards Programs.

Mayor Scott Galvin expressed his gratitude for the hard work by Woburn Fire Chief Timothy Ring as well as Woburn's representatives in Washington--Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey and Congresswoman Katherine Clark. Their support and collaboration was critical to securing this much-needed federal funding.

"We are grateful to Senator Warren, Senator Markey and Congresswoman Clark for their assistance and strong support of Woburn's public safety officials and our community--we could not have accomplished this important goal without their dedication and support," said Mayor Galvin.

Chief Ring also singled out the hard work of Woburn Fire Department's grant writers, Captain Michael Koster and Lieutenant Thomas Graham.

"Great work by Fire Captain Koster and Lieutenant Graham," said Mayor Galvin. "We are very pleased to be receiving what is the largest amount this round in Massachusetts to fund turnout gear, new boots for firefighters, self-rescue rope, training and other fire safety resources."

The last FEMA award received by the Woburn Fire Department was in 2010 in the amount of $42,525 used to purchase Scott Air Packs.

Senator Warren applauded the fire grant as great news for Woburn.

"I thank Chief Ring and Mayor Galvin for their work to get this funding. It will help provide critical training and equipment for the Woburn Fire Department," said Senator Warren. "Our firefighters work tirelessly day in and day out to protect our communities, and we must ensure they have the tools and resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively."

Senator Markey also offered his congratulations to Mayor Galvin, Chief Ring and "all of these exceptional first responders for their service and for securing this critical FEMA grant."

"The Woburn Fire Department is on the front lines of keeping its residents safe, and we need to do everything we can to support its important work," said Senator Markey. "The community of Woburn and the entire state of Massachusetts has deep appreciation for these firefighters."

Senator Clark, who also strongly urged FEMA to approve this essential protection fire gear grant, said she is pleased with the positive outcome.

"Under Mayor Galvin's and Chief Ring's leadership, firefighters in Woburn have kept our families safe around the clock," said Clark. "I'm grateful for their service and pleased that our federal partners have recognized our first responders' critical work. These funds will help equip Woburn's firefighters with the protective gear they need to do their jobs safely and effectively."

About AFG Awards

The primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations. Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.

About FP&S Awards

The Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grants are part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The primary goal is to reduce injury and prevent death among high-risk populations. In 2005, Congress reauthorized funding for FP&S and expanded the eligible uses of funds to include Firefighter Safety Research and Development.

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