Reading Fire Department Awarded Over $7k in Grant Funding

READING, MA — The Reading Fire Department has been awarded over $7,000 in grant funding from the state to be used for fire safety and education.

In a joint statement from local legislators, it was announced that the fire department received $4,540 for the Student Awareness of Fire Education (S.A.F.E.) program, which teaches students in grades K-12 about the dangers of smoking and other fire safety hazards. The department also received a $2,796 grant for the Senior SAFE program, which educates seniors on the topics of fire prevention, general home safety and how to be better prepared in the event of a fire.

“Fire safety and awareness programs are vitally important to educate our residents about the importance of public safety,” said Representative James J. Dwyer (D-Woburn) in a statement. “I am very pleased that the children, and now senior citizens, of our community will be assisted as a result of these important funds.”

The department was one of 234 departments to be awarded the public fire education grants.

“Fire prevention education for both our young people and our seniors has enhanced our public safety and contributed to stronger communities,” said Senator Jason Lewis (D-Winchester) in a statement. “I’m pleased that Reading will have these resources available to continue its efforts in the area of emergency prevention.”

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