Governor Announces Fire Department Grants

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BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration announced that applications are being accepted for two competitive grant programs that will deliver nearly $7 million to fund safety equipment for Massachusetts firefighters and life safety education for children and older adults.

"These grant programs go directly to the safety of our firefighters and the most vulnerable residents of the communities they protect," said Gov.nMaura Healey. "From turnout gear and rescue tools to age-appropriate education for young students and senior citizens, we're helping to keep Massachusetts one of the most fire-safe states in the nation."

The FY26 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program makes up to $5 million available to Massachusetts fire departments to reimburse them for eligible gear purchases. The flexibility of the grant program allows departments to make purchasing decisions based on their unique needs and resources, but it emphasizes compliance with OSHA and NFPA standards.  

"Each year, the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grants, SAFE grants, and Senior SAFE grants deliver millions of dollars to Massachusetts communities to prevent fires and protect people," said State Fire Marshal Jon Davine. "We are deeply grateful to Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security for making these vital resources available to the Massachusetts fire service."

The FY26 Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) and Senior SAFE grants offer $1.8 million to fund fire and life safety education for school-age children and people aged 65 and older. This latter group is at greatest risk of death or serious injury in a fire at home.

Both grant programs are offered by the Executive Office of Public Safety & Security through the Department of Fire Services. To learn more about these and other resources for the fire service, visit the DFS website.

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Combined No-HItter Lifts Pittsfield Babe Ruth Team to Regional Tourney

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires.com Sports
PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Kevin Smith was dominant, and the Pittsfield Babe Ruth 16-year-old All-Stars offense gave him just enough support to secure a 2-1 win over Westfield in the Western Massachusetts Championship Game on Sunday afternoon.
 
Smith struck out 11 in six innings before Cooper Reed delivered a scoreless seventh as the pair combined on a no-hitter and Pittsfield claimed a berth in next weekend’s New England Regional Championship in Stamford, Conn.
 
“I felt pretty good,” Smith said after his second outing of the three-team tournament. “I was mainly throwing fastballs until they started hitting it, and then I went with the off-speed.”
 
Smith threw two innings in Pittsfield’s five-inning win over Southern Berkshire in the tournament opener.
 
Sunday afternoon, when the game was in the balance on every pitch, was more his speed.
 
“I love it,” he said of the one-run game. “I like feeling the pressure on me and I’m getting the job done. It feels good afterwards.”
 
Smith struck out eight of the first 10 batters he faced, pitching around walks in the first and second innings and facing just two over the minimum through three.
 
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