"The highest level of public safety means cooperation among police and fire officials, community leaders, parents, and our children. A community that works together is a safe community."
-Speaker Tom Finneran

Under Speaker Finneran's leadership, the Legislature has helped police and firefighters protect the public's safety. The House of Representatives toughened existing penalties on individuals who commit Assault and Battery in certain situations, making it easier for the police to arrest a person in the case of domestic abuse situations.

In addition, the Legislature has increased support for police and fire departments throughout the Commonwealth. In 2000, the Legislature created a $10 million grant program to help local fire departments purchase equipment, and Massachusetts now has a new state-of-the-art fire-training facility in Stow. The Commonwealth has successfully fought crime on a local level by developing the Community Policing Program, a means of building partnerships that have had a positive impact on reducing neighborhood crime, helping to reduce the fear of crime, and subsequently enhancing the quality of life within Massachusetts' cities and towns. The State Bulletproof Vest Reimbursement Program is another example of the Legislature's commitment to providing Massachusetts' police officers with the best lifesaving equipment available.

Speaker Finneran and the Legislature recognize that Massachusetts relies on the courage and the dedication of the men and women who risk their lives to fight fires and keep the streets safe from violent criminals.