Congresswoman Lori Trahan, State Representative Kate Hogan, Massachusetts State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey and Stow officials celebrated the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s recent receipt of federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program funding. This funding includes $300,000 for firefighter training props to be used to educate firefighters from across the Commonwealth.

The AFG funding will pay for two trailer-based training props designed to simulate specific circumstances firefighters often encounter. The first will be a “Mobile Live Burn Prop” that allows instructors and students to observe fire progression from a safe location. This enables training firefighters to recognize dangerous situations and how they develop, allowing them to make appropriate and safe decisions in the future. The second is a “Gas/Liquid Leak Training Prop” that will allow students to practice patching and plugging leaks without endangering themselves. 

The trailer-based nature of the props allows for them to be transported to other local departments as well as to campuses with proximity to interested firefighters. 

“The remarkable bravery of firefighters across the Commonwealth is on display day in and day out as they work to keep our communities safe. This federal investment will ensure they have the training they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “As a proud supporter of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, I couldn’t be happier to see this funding head to the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to celebrate this award during National Fire Prevention Week with the brave firemen and women at the facility here in Stow.”

“I’m proud of the firefighting expertise here at the academy in Stow, which benefits firefighters from communities across the Commonwealth, and for the collaboration between our local, state and federal representatives that will deliver these grant funds for firefighter training,” said State Representative Kate Hogan.

“The FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grants help the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy provide the highest levels of training to firefighters at every level of their careers, from recruits to chief officers,” said State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey. “This funding represents a major investment in the Commonwealth’s fire service and the safety of its communities.”

The funding comes from FEMA’s FY21 AFG total allotment of $414 million distributed to fire departments nationally.