State Awards Public Education Grants to MetroWest Fire Departments

The following is a press release submitted to SOURCE media.

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FRAMINGHAM – The Baker-Polito Administration today, February 8, announced that 239 municipal fire departments will receive nearly $2 million in grants to fund fire education programs for children and older adults across Massachusetts.

Fire departments in 235 communities will receive Student Awareness of Fire Education (S.A.F.E) and Senior SAFE grants; four communities will receive S.A.F.E. grants only; and three communities will receive Senior SAFE grants only.

“Since 1996, the S.A.F.E. program has brought fire education to hundreds of thousands of students in the Commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker.“This program allows firefighters and teachers to work together to provide fire and life safety education to young people. This collaboration contributed to a major accomplishment. No children died in fires in Massachusetts last year.”

The average number of children dying in fires annually has dropped by 78% since the S.A.F.E. Program began. The Senior SAFE Program is in its seventh year, providing firefighters with the funding to deliver fire safety education to another vulnerable population – seniors.

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“Home visits, smoke and CO alarm installations, and fire safety presentations at senior centers by firefighters with senior agencies help older adults develop strategies to stay safe at home for longer,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.

“The S.A.F.E. and Senior SAFE grants represent a smart investment in fire safety,” said Public Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Thomas Turco. “Youngsters and older adults are historically at greater risk in house fires, but that risk can be reduced through the targeted outreach, education, and awareness programs these grants help to fund,” he added.

State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskeysaid, “The S.A.F.E. and Senior SAFE Programs are successful because we have trained firefighters who deliver education to children and older adults. The fire departments being supported in these public education efforts are increasing the safety of the people in their communities.”

The S.A.F.E. and Senior SAFE Programs provide $1.9 million through the Executive Office of the Public Safety and Security to local fire departments. The programs are administered by the state Department of Fire Services.

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MetroWest Communities receiving grants included:

• Ashland Fire Department received a $5,281 SAFE grant and a $2,680 Senior SAFE grant.
• Framingham Fire Department received $7,680 & $3,019
• Holliston Fire Department received $4,692 & $2,480
• Hopkinton Fire Department received $4,692 & $2,480
• Hudson Fire Department received $5,281 & $2,680
• Marlborough Fire Department received $6,380 & $2,880
• Natick Fire Department received $6,380 & $2,880
• Sherborn Fire Department received $3,794 & $2,180
• Southborough Fire Department received $4,692 & $2,480
• Sudbury Fire Department received $5,281 & $2,680