Fall River police and fire departments receive $1.6 million public safety grant; here is where the money is going

BOSTON—Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport) in cooperation with the Healey-Driscoll administration and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, announced the release of a $1.6 million public safety grant for Fall River. The Massachusetts Municipal Public Safety Staffing Grant Awards are distributed to eligible municipalities to help maintain public safety and emergency response services by addressing staffing shortfalls in police and fire departments across the Commonwealth. This program is for municipalities with a population of at least 60,000, (according to the 2010 census) and whose police departments had an operating budget per capita of less than $200 in 2010. Fall River is one of just 10 Massachusetts municipalities to receive this grant. In addition, the city’s Police and Fire Departments have received over $14 million in funding since 2011 from this program, by far the most in the state.

“I’m very pleased that Fall River was recognized for their outstanding commitment to public safety, despite a strained city budget, they make the most of the resources available. This grant will go a long way towards continuing their excellence in public safety for the people of Fall River. Both Chiefs and Mayor Coogan deserve a lot of credit in garnering this award, said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, (D-Westport) who also represents Fall River.

“Today marks a great day for the City of Fall River, as we graciously thank the legislature and Executive Office of Public Safety & Security for their help in securing $1,610,838.00 in public safety staffing grants for the Fall River Fire and Police Departments. This money is critical for our first responders to cover staffing shortfalls, helping ensure that our city is a safer place. Congratulations to Chief Bacon and Chief Furtado on the great news, and a special thank you to Senator Rodrigues for his support with this incredible program,” remarked Mayor Paul Coogan.

“The Fall River Fire Department is thrilled to announce the award of $900,000 through the state’s municipal public safety staffing grant. This money goes to keep safe levels of firefighter staffing every day in the City of Fall River. Without this grant, we would not be able to provide the level of service of excellence that we strive for every day in this city. The fact that we received $900,000 this year is a testament to Senator Rodrigues and the local delegation’s commitment to public safety. I cannot express to you my gratitude for the relationship that his office maintains with the Fall River Fire Department,” said Chief Jeffrey Bacon.

“Receiving this award comes at an ideal time, as we have just restructured our agency to serve Fall River more effectively. This funding enables us to take a proactive approach in addressing the areas our community cares about most. We are deeply grateful to Senator Rodrigues for his dedication and diligence in securing this support for us,” praised Chief Kelly Furtado.