​Newton Police, Fire Departments Awarded Federal Grant For PPE

NEWTON, MA — Last week, the Newton's police and fire departments were awarded almost $50,000 in federal funding to help purchase personal protective equipment and to respond appropriately to the coronavirus pandemic.

The funding comes through the federal Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program through the U.S. Department of Justice. It was distributed to 65 fire departments and 44 police departments in 94 Massachusetts cities and towns.

The Newton Fire Department was given $20,863.50 that will be used to purchase P100 face masks and filters and Tyvek suits.

The police department was awarded $26,711.43 so it could purchase tables and chairs to use in trainings as well as personal protective equipment. It will also be used to afford a cleaning of police headquarters and dispatcher computers.

In a statement, Gov. Charlie Baker said the funding helps public safety departments continue doing their jobs well despite the threat of the coronavirus.

“These awards to municipal departments and state agencies across the Commonwealth demonstrate our commitment to providing our police officers, firefighters, and other public safety personnel with the necessary tools to effectively serve their communities while continuing to fight a pandemic,” Baker said.