January 24, 2007


SENATOR KENNEDY, SENATOR KERRY AND REPRESENTATIVE LYNCH ANNOUNCE $101,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR BRIDGEWATER FIRE DEPARTMENT

BOSTON, MA- Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Senator John F. Kerry and Congressman Stephen F. Lynch announced today that the Bridgewater Fire Department would be receiving $101,000 in federal funding under the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistant to Firefighters Grant program. The funds will be used to replace contained breathing apparatuses and upgrade fire hoses.
 
Senator Kennedy said, “The brave men and women who serve in the Bridgewater Fire Department work skillfully every day to keep the people of their community safe. These funds will allow the Department to do their jobs more safely and effectively, and I commend the members of the Department for their courage and dedication.”
 
“Our first responders need every resource available to protect our communities, and I’m thrilled that our Bridgewater Fire Department is getting the funding it needs to enhance its emergency response capabilities,” said Senator Kerry. “I’m incredibly grateful for the service of the brave firefighters in Bridgewater.”
 
Congressman Lynch said, "This Fire Grant is a direct result of the hard work and commitment of Chief George Rogers and the entire Bridgewater Fire Department.  They have demonstrated the ability to adapt and respond to new threats and to do what it takes to protect the families of Bridgewater. Working together with Representative Dave Flynn, Senator Mark Pacheco and the Board of Selectmen, we hope that by directing these federal dollars toward local public safety needs, we will provide some relief to the local tax base."
 
Fire Chief George Rogers said, “I would like to say how important this money is in tough budget times. When most of our budget goes to salaries, this money will allow us to increase the safety to our firefighters and perform better services to the citizens of Bridgewater.”