State Awards Funds to Support Well-being of First Responders

BRAINTREE — For the third year, the Healey-Driscoll administration is awarding grants to support the well-being of first responders. This year’s grant awards are a continuation of the administration’s commitment to serving those who protect local communities.

A total of $712,500 will be awarded through the FY 2025 Commonwealth Critical Incident Stress Management program. The state-funded program is administered by the Office of Grants and Research to ensure that services are available to members of law enforcement and other emergency responders in the aftermath of a traumatic incident in the line of duty.

Eight municipal police departments will receive funding. Each grant will benefit the award recipient and additional partner agencies in their region. One of the eight grants is in Western Mass., with the Pittsfield Police Department receiving $32,000.

“When police officers encounter life-threatening dangers as they work to protect communities, we have a duty to ensure they have access to services and supports as they cope with the trauma they’ve experienced,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “These grants help ensure that first responders across Massachusetts can access these critical — and often life-saving — resources.”