The Healey-Driscoll Administration has awarded $5 million in grant funding to 307 fire departments across Massachusetts for the purchase of new safety equipment. The awards were distributed through the state's annual Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program, which aims to help departments acquire critical gear.
Local departments use this funding to obtain modern, compliant safety equipment, including tools and protective clothing. This support is crucial for many to meet stringent safety standards set by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), directly enhancing firefighter safety on the job.
What We Know So Far
- The Healey-Driscoll Administration has officially awarded a total of $5 million in grant funding, according to multiple state announcements.
- The funding was distributed to 307 fire departments located in communities throughout Massachusetts.
- These awards are part of the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program, which is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services.
- The program functions on a reimbursement basis, covering the purchase of nearly 100 different types of eligible safety equipment.
- Individual grant amounts vary by department, with Haverhill awarded $28,780 and the Gardner Fire Department set to receive $19,000, as reported by WHAV and The Gardner News, respectively.
- Several Cape Cod towns also received funding, with the COMM Fire District awarded approximately $19,000 and the West Barnstable Fire District receiving just over $12,000.
