Baker-Polito Administration award Fall River over $1 million for public safety

Boston – Governor Charlie Baker, Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, and Public Safety and Security Secretary Thomas Turco today awarded $4.5 million in Massachusetts Municipal Public Safety Staffing Grant (MUNI) funding to maintain public safety and emergency response services. This program is administered by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Office of Grants and Research (OGR).

“Now more than ever, as the Commonwealth continues to battle the COVID-19 public health emergency, our administration remains committed to directing state resources in ways that empower local leaders,” said Governor Baker. “These grants provide an immediate solution for staffing shortages, which could exacerbate a dangerous public safety situation, and I thank the eligible municipal departments and the Office of Grants and Research for this important collaboration.”

“In these challenging months marked by the pandemic, all of us have renewed our appreciation for frontline workers like police and fire personnel,” said Lt. Governor Polito. “We understand that their presence and emergency response can saves lives and assist those most in need, and these grants ensure that no call will go unanswered.”

“The Office of Grants and Research provides effective solutions to public safety challenges in the Commonwealth’s 351 cities and towns,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Thomas Turco. “Their expertise and collaborative partnership with police and fire leaders ensures continuity of services that the public depends on.”

As directed by the language in the Fiscal Year 2021 General Appropriations Act, ten eligible municipalities facing police and/or fire department staffing shortfalls submitted applications for support. Funds may be utilized to restore, retain, or hire police and fire personnel or for overtime, if needed to provide adequate shift coverage and maintain appropriate staffing levels.

Fall River received $1,268,735.67. $509,300.00 went to the Fall River Police Department and $759,435.67 went to the Fall River Fire Department.

Brockton received $525,000.00. $275,000.00 to BPD and $250,000.00 to BFD.