REGION – Massachusetts has announced $5 million in grant awards to 308 fire departments from the fiscal 2023 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program.
The program provides local fire departments with a variety of equipment that makes the dangerous job of firefighting safer.
This is the third year that funding has been awarded for this purpose as part of a five-year, $25-million bond bill filed by the administration to support firefighter safety and health in the coming years.
The following local communities received grants:
- Grafton, $16,182.30
- Hudson, $15,147.07
- Marlborough, $24,900.78
- Northborough, $19,000
- Shrewsbury, $25,000
- Southborough, $9,802.85
- Westborough, $18,642
“We ask so much of our firefighters, and no matter how dangerous or difficult the situation, they always do whatever it takes to help,” said Gov. Charlie Baker. “This program is an opportunity to make sure they are properly protected every time they answer a call for help.”
“The decision to become a firefighter is one of the bravest, most selfless choices a person can make,” said Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito. “I am so thankful to the men and women who have dedicated themselves to this calling. In every city and town, these heroes drop what they’re doing and rush to help – even when it puts them in harm’s way.”
Fire departments in Massachusetts were able to apply to this program for 121 different types of eligible equipment, including ballistic protective clothing, thermal protective clothing, gear washers and dryers, thermal imaging cameras, assorted hand tools and extrication equipment, communications resources, hazardous gas meters, fitness equipment and more. In many cases, the purchase of this equipment will help departments attain compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration or National Fire Protection Association safety standards.
“Three years into this program now, we’re really seeing the impact that it is making out in the field,” said Shrewsbury Fire Chief James Vuona, president of the Fire Chiefs’ Association of Massachusetts. “Firefighters are responding to calls with the proper protective gear and tools, which makes their jobs much safer. The firefighters of Massachusetts and their families are grateful for this investment in their health and safety.”
