"The new technology in thermal imaging cameras allows you to differentiate in temperatures," said Grunes reached by telephone. "And there's a color coding system in that camera."

The department will use a portion of the funds to train firefighters on tactics and strategies using current technology.

The fire fighting training will focus on tactics and strategies using current technology.

The trainers will "come in and do practical exercises on current fire fighting strategies and tactics," Grunes said. "We've got a diverse group of firefighters here that have received their training over the past 32 years, this is going to bring all the firefighters to the same playing field."

After heavy casualties and injuries occurred at the Rhode Island Station nightclub fire in 2003, Gov. Mitt Romney "formed a 32-member Task Force on Fire and Building Safety to review the Commonwealth's fire safety laws and regulations for similar public establishments. The need for the funding announced today was part of the final bill that the Governor signed into law in August of 2004," the release read.

"Every day, our firefighters put their lives on the line," said Romney. "They deserve the security of knowing that we've given them the best possible tools to do the job. These grants are a critical investment in the peace of mind that comes with effective fire prevention and response."

"Fire safety hinges upon our ability to both prevent and respond to emergencies," said Public Safety Secretary Edward A. Flynn in a release issued by the state. "These grants are investments in more informed citizens and better equipped fire departments."

S.A.F.E. was created in 1996 as a means to curb fire-related deaths in the state. The program's aim is to educate Bay State students on the dangers of fire, how to survive fires and to show how fires can result from smoking paraphernalia.

"Smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths in the nation and children of smokers tend to have greater access to matches and lighters," the release read.

Bedford's firefighters will teach fire safety to the town's elementary school students through a direct classroom presentations on fire safety issues and use of fire safety materials during the spring and fall.

The funds will also be used for a "Safety Day" during October's Fire Prevention Week.

"The core of the S.A.F.E. Program is school-based programming, but may also be used to implement community fire and life safety education programs outside of school buildings. Funding was awarded to all qualified fire departments based on their previous S.A.F.E program implementation," the release read.

"The number of children dying in fires each year in the Commonwealth, on average, has been cut in half since the S.A.F.E. Program started in 1996," said Fire Marshal Stephen Coan. "Continuing to raise a fire safe generation of children in Massachusetts is the best way to reduce fire deaths among adults as well."