SOUTHWICK – On January 12, the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services announced that the state has awarded grants to over 250 fire departments throughout the commonwealth.
In the release, it explains both the S.A.F.E and SENIOR S.A.F.E. grants that towns and cities received.
“The S.A.F.E. Program provides $1.2M through the Executive Office of the Public Safety and Security to local fire departments. The Senior SAFE program provides $600,000 in grant funds from fees paid by tobacco companies to the Fire Standard Compliant Cigarette Program to ensure their products meet the fire safety requirements to be sold in Massachusetts. The programs are administered by the state Department of Fire Services.”
Southwick Fire Chief Russ Anderson. (WNG File Photo)
Locally, the Southwick Fire Department received $3,708 for the S.A.F.E grant and $2,415 for the SENIOR S.A.F.E. grant. Southwick Fire Chief Russ Anderson is pleased to hear that they received the grant money.
“It’s a great tool for us, it allows us to do more for the public,” said Anderson. “It allows us to do more for the schools and the senior population.”
Last year, the Southwick fire department received the grants and used the SENIOR S.A.F.E grant for the house numbering program that is currently taking place.
Anderson hopes to continue to receive both of these grants in the future.
“It’s not huge money, but it’s spent very effectively,” said Anderson.
For more information on the grants that the Southwick Fire Department was awarded, contact the station at 413-569-6363.
