Former Governor Charlie Baker and Secretary of Public Safety and Security Terrence Reidy recently announced that FY23 grant funds for the Student Awareness of Fire Education (S.A.F.E.) and Senior SAFE Programs have been awarded to two hundred sixty-six fire departments across Massachusetts.

These programs promote fire and life safety education for children and older adults who are most vulnerable to burns, injury, and death from fire and related hazards.

“Funding programs that keep the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable safe during emergencies is one of the best investments we can make,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “I’m pleased to hear that SAFE programs have received funding in every town in my district. I’d like to thank my colleagues for their diligent work in funding important programs like this, as well as the fire departments across the Commonwealth for their work keeping their communities safe.”

“Congratulations to the Shrewsbury and Westborough Fire Departments,” said Representative Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury). “These important grant programs enable local fire education for children and older adults and will help to keep our communities safe. I am grateful to our local first responders for their selfless work and know how helpful these education programs are to Shrewsbury and Westborough residents.”

“S.A.F.E. is a shining example of a successful and valuable program that the Commonwealth provides to its citizens,” stated Representative David Muradian Jr. (R-Grafton). “Teaching children, and now seniors, two of our more vulnerable populations, how to handle emergency situations with less anxiety will help keep all members of the community safe. I know that these funds will surely go to good use within our community.” 

The grants awarded to the towns contained within the Second Worcester District are as follows:

Auburn Fire 

Rescue Department

S.A.F.E Grant: $4,381

Senior SAFE Grant: $2,277

Grafton Fire Department

S.A.F.E Grant: $4,381

Senior SAFE Grant: $2,277

Leicester Fire 

Department

S.A.F.E Grant: $3,781

Senior SAFE Grant: $2,077

Millbury Fire 

Department

S.A.F.E Grant: $3,781

Senior SAFE Grant: $2,077

Northbridge Fire 

Department

S.A.F.E Grant: $4,381

Senior SAFE Grant: $2,277

Shrewsbury Fire 

Department

S.A.F.E Grant: $5,481

Senior SAFE Grant: $2,477

Upton Fire Department

S.A.F.E Grant: $3,781

Senior SAFE Grant: $2,077

Worcester Fire 

Department

S.A.F.E Grant: $10,481

Senior SAFE Grant: $2,877

The S.A.F.E. program was first funded in FY1996 and has since correlated with a decline of about 80% in Massachusetts child fire fatalities and the longest period without a child fire death in the history of the Commonwealth. The Senior SAFE program was launched in FY14 to provide Massachusetts’ seniors with the knowledge and tools to live safely.