November 30, 2006

Senator Kennedy, Senator Kerry, And Representative Lynch Announce $114,000 Federal Grant For Medfield Fire Department

BOSTON, MA- Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Senator John F. Kerry, and Representative Stephen F. Lynch announced today that the Medfield Fire Department has received a federal grant of $114,000 under the Department of Homeland Security’s FIRE Grant Program. The Department will use the funds to purchase new self-contained breathing equipment.
 
Senator Kennedy said, “The courageous firefighters of Medfield do all they can to protect and serve the people of their community. I commend them for their skill and dedication, and I commend the Department of Homeland Security for providing this needed support.”
 
“Our first responders are the heroes of our communities. I’m thrilled that the Medfield Fire Department will get the help it needs to be able to enhance its response capabilities,” said Senator Kerry. “The men and women who make up our nation’s first responders should have nothing but the very best, most state-of-the-art equipment to keep them safe – and to keep our community safe.”
 
Congressman Stephen F. Lynch, who advocated on behalf of Medfield's application with the Department of Homeland Security, said, "This Fire Grant is a direct result of the hard work and commitment of Chief William Kingsbury and the entire Medfield 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 Medfield.  By working together with Senators Kennedy and Kerry, State Senator Jim Timilty, State Reps. Lida Harkins and Richard Ross 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 William Kingsbury said, “It’s a big help to us.  If we did not get these funds, we would have to prolong the purchase of new equipment for two or three years.  Our whole community will benefit from these funds.”