Mass. town seeks grant to help add 4 firefighters

By Allison Manning
The Patriot Ledger

WEYMOUTH, Mass. — Four firefighters could be added to the Weymouth Fire Department if the town is awarded a federal grant to hire safety personnel.

The grant, from the Department of Homeland Security, would cover the new firefighters' salaries and benefits for two years; the town would have to bear the third-year costs.

Fire Chief Robert Leary wanted to apply to add 16 firefighters, but Mayor Sue Kay said she was concerned about the town covering the last year of commitment. The final application, due last week, was for four.

"It's a wonderful deal," Kay said. "But if you get left on the hook (for 16 firefighters), it's a million dollars" in salary the town is obligated to pay.

Unless the fiscal climate changes for the better, having those must-pay salaries in the fire department in three years could necessitate "annihilating" other departments, Kay said.

"Fiscal year 2013 is not that far away," she said.

Leary declined to comment on the grant bid, deferring to Kay.

The fire department runs three engines and one ladder truck per shift. With the additional personnel, a ladder truck could be added.

Adding four firefighters would "give us a little more safety and efficiency in the town," Kay said.

Assuming the grant is awarded, Kay hopes the new firefighters will be on duty within a year, after academy training.

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