WEST SPRINGFIELD — The town of West Springfield will bolster its fire prevention and safety education thanks to grant awards from the state.
On April 8, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $3.2 million in fire safety grants that support firefighter gear and fire safety education for children and seniors.
“Massachusetts firefighters do much more than fight fires — they’re our first line of defense in any emergency,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “These grants will help firefighters protect themselves from injury and illness, rescue people in danger and keep our most vulnerable residents safe from fires and other hazards at home. We are proud to be able to support these vital first responders who never hesitate to answer a call for help.”
The town of West Springfield secured approximately $9,200 for fire equipment, $5,700 from the state’s Student Awareness of Fire Education program and $2,400 from the Senior SAFE program, according to Fire Chief C.J. Bartone.
Since the inception of the SAFE grant in 1995, the number of Massachusetts children who die in fires has dropped to historically low levels, according to the state; from two dozen or more per year to zero for nearly three consecutive years.
Healey’s office said that $1.1 million was awarded to 204 local fire departments across the commonwealth through the SAFE grant.
“For 30 years, the SAFE grants have delivered life-saving lessons to Massachusetts’ kids and teens through our local firefighters,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Terrence Reidy. “This is just one of the powerful local-state partnerships that make Massachusetts one of the safest places in the nation to live, work and raise a family.”
In a statement, Bartone said the SAFE program focuses on educating students about fire risks and prevention strategies by “providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe.”
“The department partners closely with local schools to deliver age-appropriate lessons on fire safety, empowering young people to make smart, safe decisions at home and in the community,” Bartone said.
The Senior SAFE program allows the West Springfield Fire Department to partner with the Senior Center on fire prevention education, safety tips, and resources to help seniors reduce hazards in their homes and live more safely.
Nearly $485,000 comes from the Senior SAFE grant to support these efforts across the state, according to Healey’s office.
“These grant funds allow us to continue building strong, proactive fire prevention programs for both our students and seniors,” Bartone said. “I’d like to thank State Fire Marshal Jon Davine for his continued support of this important initiative, and I also want to recognize Firefighter Brina Fondi and Lieutenant Tony Spear for their dedication and hard work in making these programs a success here in West Springfield.”
Agawam also received grants through the SAFE and Senior SAFE programs. According to a press release sent to Reminder Publishing, the town secured over $4,500 for equipment, $5,700 in SAFE money and $2,400 in Senior SAFE grants.
The Agawam Fire Department did not respond to a request for additional comments about the money.
