NH Delegation Announces Federal Grant for New Fire Engine in Berlin

NEW HAMPSHIRE – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan, a senior member of the Homeland Security Committee, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen - a member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee - and Representative Annie Kuster announced a $620,333 grant to the Berlin Fire Department to replace its fire engine that has been in service since 1979. Senator Hassan, Senator Shaheen, and Representative Kuster advocated for Berlin to receive the Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG).

“I am thrilled that the Berlin Fire Department is receiving this critical federal grant to replace the fire engine that they’ve been using for more than four decades. I’ve talked with Chief Watkins and Mayor Grenier about how important a new fire engine is to quickly respond to emergencies and keep fire fighters safe, and I am proud to have helped Berlin secure this grant,” said Senator Hassan.

“These federal dollars will be well spent on the Berlin Fire Department, providing a new fire engine to ensure the swiftest and safest responses to emergencies throughout the area,” said Senator Shaheen. “It’s crucial that our first responders have the equipment they need to stay safe on the job, which is precisely why I work to secure the federal dollars needed to support the AFG program every year. I’ll keep working to increase those resources and I’ll continue advocating for New Hampshire communities to receive the important investments from this program.”

“This federal funding will enable the Berlin Fire Department to acquire a much-needed new fire engine, bolstering public safety and ensuring Berlin firefighters can safely protect the city and surrounding communities,” said Rep. Kuster. “I was proud to advocate for this Assistance to Firefighters Grant and help secure this funding for the Department – I will continue working to ensure Granite State firefighters and first responders have the resources they need to do their jobs safely.”

“Our firefighters put their lives at risk every day to keep us safe,” said Rep. Pappas. “These funds will ensure our firefighters have safe, updated equipment, and I’ll always work to ensure our first responders have the resources and tools they need to protect our communities.”

“I want to thank the hard work of Chief Watkins, who was instrumental in securing this grant, and the Council and the City Manager for supporting the Fire Chief. But most of all, this is the work primarily done by Senator Hassan, who has exhibited true leadership in the six years that she’s been a Senator, and we’ve been very fortunate to have Senator Hassan, Congresswoman Kuster, and Senator Shaheen representing Berlin. This really culminates a very strong effort, the last three years worth of work with the congressional delegation and I could not be more pleased for the work that they do for City of Berlin and the people who live in Berlin,” said Mayor Grenier.

“This announcement is exciting news for Berlin. The AFG funding will help our fire department replace a pumper truck that has been in use since 1979 and has sometimes been out of service for extended periods with costly repairs. This new engine will allow us to better serve our residents and improve our emergency response to better keep our residents, and our fire fighters, safe. I’d like to thank Senator Hassan, and the congressional delegation for their efforts to make sure our fire department  has the resources we need to do our jobs safely, effectively, and professionally,” said Berlin Fire Chief Watkins.

Senator Hassan successfully worked to increase funding for the AFG program in the American Rescue Plan that was passed into law. Additionally, as a result of a FEMA grant that the New Hampshire Delegation announced in 2020, the Berlin Fire Department received new breathing apparatuses last year.  

###