By JULIE CUNNINGHAM
(Franklin County, MA) Local fire and police departments are going to get a financial boost. Grant money from the state to help prevent, prepare for and/or respond to the Coronavirus is going to the Deerfield Police Department as well as fire departments in Charlemont, Greenfield, Leverett, New Salem, Shelburne, Sunderland, Wendell, and Whately. Funding is also going to state agencies like the Massachusetts State Police who received almost two million dollars in grant money. Washable uniforms, new radio equipment, Personal Protective Equipment and disinfecting equipment were some of the requests made by local departments.
“These grants will help aid local municipalities to purchase the additional safeguards necessary to protect our frontline workers against COVID-19,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Massachusetts has made great strides in slowing the spread of this virus, and we will continue to support our local heroes with the resources they need to protect themselves and their communities.”
Municipalities could request up to $50,000 in funding for their local fire or police departments. In total, 65 fire departments and 44 police departments benefited in 94 cities and towns across The Commonwealth.
“These awards are well deserved and my office is committed to doing all that it can to continue providing the financial resources needed to assist our state and local officials in their efforts to combat this pandemic,” said OGR Executive Director Kevin Stanton.