Berkshire Fire Departments Awarded Fire Safety Grants

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The state awarded Pittsfield, North Adams, and Lanesborough Fire Safety Grants to support fire and life safety education for school-age children and older adults.

Since 1995, the Department of Fire Services' Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) grant program has supported firefighter-educators who deliver age-appropriate fire safety education to kids and teens across Massachusetts. In that time, the number of children who die in fires has dropped to historically low levels, from two dozen or more per year to zero for nearly three consecutive years.  

In 2014, DFS launched the Senior SAFE program, which is geared toward another vulnerable population – older adults, who face a disproportionate risk of death or serious injury in a fire.

"The SAFE grants have been helping local fire departments deliver life-saving lessons to Massachusetts' young people for nearly 30 years," said Governor Maura Healey. "This year's awards continue that legacy of fire safety education for our most vulnerable residents and their families. Our Administration is committed to helping every community protect its residents through public safety programs like this one."

  • The state awarded Pittsfield a 7,200 Safe Program Grant and a $2,600 Senior Safe Program grant.
  • The state awarded North Adams a $4,699 Safe Program Grant and a $2,193 Senior Safe Program grant.
  • The state awarded Lanesborough a $3,599.02 Safe Program Grant and a $1,799 Senior Safe Program grant.

14 municipal fire departments across Massachusetts shared $1.6 million in competitive grants.

In FY24, 214 municipal fire departments will split $1,138,565.58 in SAFE funding and/or $492,179.29 in Senior SAFE funding. Another 12 departments will share funding for regional SAFE and/or Senior SAFE programs.

The S.A.F.E. and Senior SAFE programs are funded through legislative earmarks to the Executive Office of the Public Safety & Security, and they are administered by the Department of Fire Services.

 


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Afternoon Arrival Estimated for Harris on Saturday

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to arrive in Pittsfield early Saturday afternoon, according to emerging information about the campaign event.

Gov. Maura Healey will greet her at Westfield-Barnes Airport around 12:30 p.m. The Pittsfield event is expected to start around 1:30 p.m.

"Please be advised that due to a special event occurring in the downtown area, we ask the public to follow all posted detours between 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 27," a press release from the city reads.

"Drivers should also expect delays downtown and should consider alternate routes. Parking restrictions will also be in place. Residents, visitors and event attendees should keep these temporary closures in mind when traveling."

Harris was scheduled for the sold-out event in downtown Pittsfield before being suddenly elevated to presidential candidate on Sunday. The original Biden-Harris fundraiser is now a Harris fundraiser but it was unclear if she would continue with her scheduled appearances.

Tickets sold out almost immediately, ranging from $100 to thousands of dollars.

"For security purposes," event details have not been disclosed such as the time and location.  It is assumed to occur at the Colonial Theatre based on a seating chart in the Eventbrite ticket link though, a representative from the theater last week denied knowledge of the event — then directed the caller to the Eventbrite link.

Josh Landes, WAMC's Berkshire bureau chief, has confirmed that he will be at the event and posted details to social media on Friday.

"We expect the program [at the Colonial Theatre] to begin at approximately 1:20 p.m. ET and for the show to conclude at 2:40 p.m. ET," the post reads.

"The program will include remarks from Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey, Congressman Richie Neal, Fmr. Governor Deval Patrick and Heather Cox Richardson as well as performances by James Taylor, Yo-Yo Ma, and Emanuel Ax. Concessions will be available for purchase at the venue."

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