- Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
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Brenna Galvin, Deputy Director of Communications
Western Mass — On 413 Day, Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon, joined by members of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security Secretariat and public safety officials from across the region, participated in events across Western Massachusetts highlighting the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s continued investment in the people, partnerships, and public safety services that support Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties.
First established in 2019 through legislation introduced by Senator Adam Hinds, 413 Day promotes the unique culture, tourism, and economic development of Western Massachusetts and is now recognized through an annual gubernatorial proclamation.
“Western Massachusetts relies on a wide range of public safety services every day, and EOPSS agencies are proud to be part of that work,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Kwon. “From 911 operations and forensic services to firefighter training, fire investigation, grant funding, and violence prevention, our agencies are working in partnership with local leaders, first responders, and community organizations across the region. Today’s visits reflect both the strength of those partnerships and our continued commitment to supporting the people and communities of Western Massachusetts.”
Secretary Kwon began the day at the Berkshire Regional Emergency Communications Center in Pittsfield, where she recognized the work of telecommunicators during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and highlighted the State 911 Department’s assumption of the center. BRECC provides 911 services for 25 communities in Western Massachusetts. The transition strengthens staffing, improves working conditions, supports future infrastructure upgrades, and eliminates annual local assessments for participating municipalities so those resources can remain in local communities.
In Westfield, Secretary Kwon visited the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s Westfield office, a key regional facility serving Western Massachusetts that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The visit highlighted the Office’s role in delivering high-quality medicolegal death investigation services across the Commonwealth and its continued progress in strengthening statewide operations, maintaining accreditation standards, improving turnaround times, and supporting dignified care.
Secretary Kwon then traveled to the Department of Fire Services’ Springfield campus, home to the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s Career Recruit Training Program in Western Massachusetts. There, she observed live fire exercises, reviewed equipment supported through the FY26 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program, and met with members of the Massachusetts State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s West Team. Since opening in 2015, the Springfield campus has graduated nearly 900 firefighters, with hundreds more receiving in-service training there.
The day concluded in Holyoke at the Boys & Girls Club of Holyoke, a funded partner in the Holyoke/Chicopee Shannon Community Safety Initiative. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Shannon Community Safety Initiative grant program, which has become a national model for youth violence prevention by bringing together nonprofits, schools, law enforcement, prosecutors, and community partners to intervene early and expand opportunity. The Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded more than $8.4 million in FY26 Shannon grants statewide, including $415,951 for the Holyoke/Chicopee site.
“By investing in the safe futures of young people across Western Massachusetts, we’re promoting safety for all residents and lifting up the next generation of leaders,” said OGR Executive Director Kevin Stanton. “From gun and gang violence prevention to traffic safety, to protecting at-risk nonprofits against hate crimes, the grants awarded to our partners in Western Massachusetts reflect our commitment to supporting the region and those who call it home.”
“From firefighter training to code compliance support and Hazmat response, the Department of Fire Services is a resource for Western Massachusetts fire departments,” said State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine. “As a former Western Mass fire chief and lifelong 413 resident, I know the value we can bring to firefighters in big cities, rural towns, and everywhere in between.”
“The Massachusetts State Police celebrates 413 Day with a deep appreciation for our colleagues, partners, and neighbors who make Western Massachusetts a great place to live, work, and visit,” said Colonel Geoffrey Noble. “Troopers working in this part of the Commonwealth do so with a focus on enhancing public safety, but they also invest time in the communities they call home. Their support for 413 schools, youth sports, Special Olympics, and programs like Holyoke’s Homework House illustrates our team’s larger commitment to the region and our core value of public service.”
Across Massachusetts, the agencies highlighted during the day have continued to deliver results:
- State 911 reduced the number of Public Safety Answering Points statewide to 195, invested approximately $143.7 million in FY26 grants, and certified approximately 1,652 telecommunicators in 2025.
- OCME expanded 24/7 regional coverage and improved turnaround times for death certificates and autopsy reports.
- DFS earned Pro Board re-accreditation for the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, expanded training capacity, and continued supporting local departments through grants and fire safety initiatives.
- OGR advanced violence prevention and public safety investments statewide, including $2 million for gun violence prevention initiatives and $5.76 million in expedited police and fire staffing grants.
Together, the day’s events underscored the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that Western Massachusetts communities have the resources, partnerships, and infrastructure they need to thrive.
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