WASHINGTON (February 28, 2023) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass) announced that the Lawrence Fire Department will receive more than $800,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as part of FEMA’s Fiscal Year 2021 Assistance to Firefighters Grants program. Lawrence will use the funding to replace outdated infrastructure, including a fire truck ladder and train, to ensure their safety standards are in line with the latest guidance from the National Fire Protection Association. Lawrence is one of the fast-growing and most diverse cities in Massachusetts, and this critical federal funding comes at a time when the fire department has experienced a growing need to expand and modernize its emergency services. 

“Firefighters deserve no less than state of the art resources that fully equip them to protect the health and safety of our families, friends, and neighbors in Massachusetts,” said Senator Markey. “These critical investments will help our firefighters climb the ladder of success. I am proud to have helped secure this funding for Lawrence, and I will continue to push for investments that alleviate the everyday struggle our firefighters experience as they work hard to keep our communities safe.”

“The brave men and women of the Lawrence Fire Department put themselves at risk every day to protect us, and it’s critical to ensure they have the resources they need to do their job in the safest way possible,” said Lawrence Mayor Brian A. DePeña. “I’m grateful that this grant will help the department make critical equipment updates that will have a lasting impact on the safety of our community. On behalf of the city of Lawrence, I look forward to continue working with our federal partners to ensure our fire department has the appropriate training, equipment, and resources they need to continue protecting our community.”

“I want to thank Senator Markey for his assistance in this process,” said Lawrence Fire Department Chief Brian Moriarty. “His support and the support of the Mayor go a long way in making the city safer with this equipment. Apparatus is a big part of firefighter safety and citizen safety. We can have faster response times, reduce time to get water on fires, and save lives. When we keep our apparatus up to today’s standards, we will have less down time for maintenance. This will be a great improvement in safety.”

Last April, Senator Markey sent a letter to FEMA supporting comprehensive funding for the Lawrence Fire Department to modernize its equipment and maintain up-to-date safety regulations. To date, Massachusetts fire departments have received more than $45 million in Fiscal Year 2021 funding through FEMA’s fire department assistance programs: Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants, Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG), and Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) grants.

Ladder Tower—Austin (TX) Fire Department 93-foot mid-mount platform. Spartan Gladiator LFD with 5-inch raised roof cab and chassis; Cummins X15 605-hp engine; Advanced Climate Control; 100,000-pound tinsel strength steel aerial; 229-square-foot platform work area; two “H”-style outriggers with a 16-foot outrigger spread. Dealer: Brian Cudaback, Metro Fire Apparatus Specialists, Houston, TX.

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U.S. House Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s (D-NJ) office issued the following press release Monday:

Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) joined Mayor Mark Gyorfy and the Township Committee last week for two events highlighting how federal funding is making a difference in the Morris Township community by upgrading the Collinsville-Tucker Park and purchasing a new ladder fire truck to service the Township. 

“Throughout my time in office, I have had many discussions with residents in Morris Township about the critical need for reconstruction and improvements to Collinsville-Tucker Park. With this Community Project funding, combined with additional American Rescue Plan funds previously committed to this park, we are making this project a reality. Last week, I gathered with the Collinsville Civic & Improvement League, local students, community members, the Mayor and Township Committee, and Senator Bucco to celebrate this milestone,” said Rep. Sherrill. 

“Our first responders worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic serving our communities. That’s why when we were drafting the American Rescue Plan, I put in place provisions that would help local governments maintain vital public services, even in the wake of revenue stress from COVID. This new ladder truck will help keep families safe. I want to thank Mayor Gyorfy and the Township Committee for their advocacy for their residents and their partnership in helping me bring back our tax dollars to serve our community,” continued Sherrill. 

“Congresswoman Sherrill’s efforts to bring millions in federal tax dollars back to Morris Township has not only provided us with a once-in-a-generation moment to revitalize the Collinsville Playground but has also allowed us to invest in our long-term emergency response needs through the purchase of a new quint ladder truck. Thanks to the funding secured through the American Rescue Plan and FY2023 Appropriations, we’ve been able to make long-term community investments without putting a substantial financial burden on our taxpayers,” said Morris Township Mayor Mark Gyorfy. 

As part of the 14 Community Projects the Congresswoman submitted on behalf of NJ-11 through the House Appropriations Committee Fiscal Year 2023 bill, federal funding is coming to Collinsville-Tucker Park for the needed reconstruction and improvements. This project is also receiving local funding through the American Rescue Plan. Local residents, advocates from the Collinsville Civic & Improvement League, the Mayor and Township Committee, Senator Bucco, and third and fourth graders from Unity Charter School gathered for this exciting announcement. Watch a recording of the event here. 

Rep. Sherrill also received a tour of the new ladder fire truck Morris Township was able to purchase with the direct state and local aid the township received from the American Rescue Plan (ARP). The ARP was a critical piece of legislation that brought direct pandemic relief to New Jersey families, s

The Moberly Fire Department received a new fire truck this month, moberlymonitor.com reported.

The truck was on display at city hall Tuesday prior to the regular city council meeting, the report said.

Sporting a red, white and blue American flag motif, the Rosenbauer Commander fire truck came from Greenville, (NC), a fire official said, according to the report.

The department traded a 2007 Pierce Contender for the new one, according to the report.

The truck cost $575,000, but that doesn’t include equipping it, the fire official said.