STONEHAM — Chief Matthew Grafton is pleased to announce that the Stoneham Fire Department is one of nearly 300 fire departments across the state to have been awarded a grant as part of the Department of Fire Services Fiscal Year 2021 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program.
The $14,987.20 grant awarded to the Stoneham Fire Department will be used to purchase much-needed safety equipment, such as a battery-operated hydraulic rescue tool, scene lighting and a thermal imager.
“We are grateful to receive this funding to help ensure we have the most up-to-date equipment available during an emergency response,” Chief Grafton said. “New hydraulic rescue tool allows us to keep up with the newer technology, especially since newer cars have a tougher metal that older models might not cut through. These tools help firefighters respond safely and efficiently during emergencies, and allow us to better serve our community.”
This grant program enables fire departments to purchase a variety of equipment that will make firefighters’ jobs safer. The $4 million awarded to departments statewide is part of a $25 million bond bill filed by the Baker-Polito Administration to support firefighter health and safety during the next five years.
Fire departments in Massachusetts were able to apply for funding for 114 types of eligible equipment, including personal protective clothing, gear washers and dryers, thermal imaging cameras, assorted hand tools and extrication equipment, communications resources, hazardous gas meters, fitness equipment and more.
“Investing in the short-term and long-term health and safety of firefighters has been a hallmark of the Baker-Polito Administration,” said State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey. “I am grateful that we are able to continue supporting this initiative and make sure that firefighters not only go home safe at the end of every shift, but also that they maintain their health during and after their careers. This funding couldn’t come at a better time either. With the financial challenges that COVID-19 has brought to so many Massachusetts municipalities, this grant funding will mitigate critical budget gaps in many departments.”
A complete list of awards by department can be found here.
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