After a fire at a Fall River assisted-living home killed 10 people last month, Massachusetts has sped up delivering funding to cities meant to boost their police and fire department staffing levels.
The state is giving $5.7 million to the 10 cities that qualify for this year’s Massachusetts Municipal Public Safety Staffing Program, including $1.6 million for Fall River, the Healey administration announced Tuesday. The funds are usually available starting Jan. 1, but the departments have the option of using the money starting this month.
“The Municipal Public Safety Staffing Program delivers funds each year to support the hiring of first responders in cities with the significant need,” Gov. Maura Healey said in a statement. “Following the tragedy at Gabriel House, we were able to respond to the needs of first responders in Fall River and cities across the state to ensure police and fire departments have access to the resources they need as soon as possible.”…