Fall River, Brockton, Boston area communities combine to receive $4.8 million in funding for fire, police staffing

BOSTON –The Baker-Polito administration today announced nearly $4.8 million in funding to support municipal police and fire staffing in 10 communities.

The Massachusetts Municipal Public Safety Staffing (MUNI) Grant Program provides state funding to retain and restore staffing at police and fire departments in communities that meet certain eligibility criteria. Specifically, grants are available to municipalities with a population of at least 60,000 and whose police department had an operating budget of less than $200 per capita in 2010. Only 10 cities across the state meet those criteria; all of those communities have been awarded funding.

“Ensuring that law enforcement and fire departments have the funds necessary to maintain adequate staffing levels is a top priority. I’m incredibly pleased that we’re able to provide this grant funding to help these departments retain their valuable uniformed and civilian employees,” said Governor Charlie Baker.

“Our first responders are the heart of our communities. They help keep residents and communities safe, and we owe them a debt of gratitude. These grants are an investment in public safety,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.

The state funding is administered by the Office of Grants and Research, a state agency that is part of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. The funds allow departments to restore, retain or hire police and fire personnel or to fund overtime necessary to maintain adequate staffing levels.

“At EOPSS we’re committed to providing our local partners with the support and resources to promote safety in their communities. These grants allow us to do just that by providing local officials with the resources necessary to meet the needs of their public safety agencies and communities,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy.

“Every grant dollar that we distribute is directed toward improving the safety and security of the Commonwealth. The MUNI grant program allows us to support the lifesaving work of first responders in communities across the state. These funds will help ensure that police and fire departments are prepared to meet the needs of those they serve,” said OGR Executive Director Kevin Stanton.