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STOW, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) – On Wednesday, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that $5 million in grant funding were awarded to 306 fire departments in the Commonwealth.
The funds are a direct product of the FY22 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program. The program allows fire departments to purchase a variety of important equipment. This marks the second year that funding has been awarded to support firefighter health and safety.
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“Our communities and families depend on firefighters in difficult and dangerous moments,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This program is an opportunity to show our deep appreciation for their work by ensuring they have the tools they need to stay safe and healthy.”
Fire departments from across the state were able to apply to the program for 118 different types of equipment. In many cases, this equipment helps department comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration or National Fire Protection Association safety standards.
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“Best practices for firefighter safety are constantly evolving as technology advances and our understanding of the short- and long-term health impacts of the work improves,” said State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey. “This program is so important to help fire departments modernize their equipment and get firefighters the protection they need.”
Some of the most frequently funded items through the program include boots, coats, gloves, hoods, helmets, pants and hoses.
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