Amherst Fire Receives Big Grant for Radio Enhancements

The Amherst Fire Department has received federal funding that will improve communication efforts when it counts most.

Amherst Fire Chief Mark Boynton said the $111,402 grant will be used to enhance his department’s radio communication system with surrounding communities during emergencies.

The funding comes from the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Boynton had applied for the grant in July, 2011, which will now need approval from the board of selectmen.

Congresswoman Annie Kuster announced the news in a recent press release.

“This funding will help ensure that our courageous first responders in Amherst have the resources they need to do their jobs as safely and effectively as possible,” Kuster said. “Our first responders willingly put themselves in harm’s way to save others, and we have a responsibility to make sure they have up-to-date equipment that allows them to serve our communities at the highest level.”

AFG Grants are awarded through a competitive process that is overseen by fire service experts. Additional information on the AFG Program can be found here.