As a part of a $5 million award given to 321 municipalities across the state from the Healey-Driscoll administration, the town’s fire department received $19,000 from the Massachusetts Firefighter Safety Equipment Program.
The program, which fire departments across the state were invited to apply for, provides reimbursements on purchases of 135 different types of eligible fire safety equipment, including hoses and nozzles, turnout gear, ballistic protective equipment, gear washers and dryers, thermal imaging cameras, hand tools and extrication equipment, communications resources, hazardous gas meters, and much more.
“Every single day, firefighters across Massachusetts put themselves in harm’s way to protect their communities,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “They deserve our thanks and our support. The Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program is just one way we can express our appreciation for that selfless dedication.”
The program is in its fourth year of providing funding to local fire departments and the equipment purchased, in many cases, helps those departments remain in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration and National Fire Protection Association safety standards.
“From structure fires and water rescues to hazardous materials and building collapses, firefighters never know what life-threatening risks the next call will bring,” Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said. “These grants will support the purchase of fundamental tools and specialty equipment to help them do a dangerous job more safely.”
This year, the most frequently funded equipment included hoses, nozzles, fittings, and adapters, coats, gloves, hoods, ballistic vest, helmets, pants, ballistic helmets, boots, and combustible/hazardous gas detectors.