Over 300 Mass. FDs share $5M in grants for new equipment

Essex, MA Fire Department/Facebook

By Andrea Holbrook and Stephen Hagan
Gloucester Daily Times

ESSEX, Mass. — The fire departments in Gloucester and Essex are among 307 across Massachusetts that will share $5 million in grants to purchase new safety equipment, the Healey-Driscoll administration said Tuesday.

“Massachusetts firefighters answer the call in every corner of our state and our job is to make sure they have what they need to do it safely,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “We’re investing in the equipment that protects them on the front lines and strengthening departments in more than 300 communities so they can continue protecting all of us.”

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Fire departments were invited to apply to the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program, which provides reimbursement on purchases of nearly 100 different types of equipment.

The Gloucester Fire Department received $10,893.34 while the Essex department received $12,420.

Essex will use its grant to to purchase new up-to-date protective pants, jackets, boots and helmets.

Chief Christian Hassel said as a call department, Essex firefighters may start with used gear but as new members progress through training offered by the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, the equipment becomes more up to date.

“This grant will allow us to purchase new personal protective gear, ensuring that our firefighters remain properly equipped for the demands of today’s emergency response environment,” Hassel said.

“It’s the gear we wear when we’re approaching a fire,” he said. “Equipment is sturdy but it can become damaged.”

There are 48 staff members and nine officers, including Hassel, on the Essex force.

Hassel said the grant money will enable the Fire Department to adapt and provide the level of services residents in Essex deserve.

Gloucester Chief Eric Smith said the plan for his department’s grant is to order some specific vehicle stabilization equipment (pairs of struts) for both the city’s ladder trucks.

“This replaces an old system that is beyond its serviceable life and also puts them on the reserve ladder truck,” he said.

The chief said Lt. Jak Letien and Capt. Dave Barrett did “solid work” in determining what the department needed that would be eligible for purchase under the grant program.

“Dave mentored Jak on the process as Dave has done the same and was successful as well,” Smith said. “They did all the work to get this application put together, they submitted the grant and we now have an award of almost $11,000 that will cover four of these items so we can equip both ladder trucks as noted.”

The Healey-Driscoll administration said the purchase of eligible equipment in many cases will help departments attain compliance with Occupational Safety & Health Administration or National Fire Protection Association safety standards.

“The Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program funds the tools, gear, and equipment that our firefighters use to protect themselves, each other, and the residents of their communities,” State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine said. “It’s a smart investment in safety for the fire service and the Commonwealth.”

Looking to navigate the complexities of grants funding? Lexipol is your go-to resource for state-specific, fully developed grants services that can help fund your needs. Find out more about our grants services here.

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