(Boston – 01/13/2022) Senator Michael Moore can announce that the Shrewsbury, Millbury and Leicester Fire Departments have been awarded grant funding from the Baker-Polito Administration as part of the Fiscal Year 2022 Firefighter Safety Grant Program.
“The firefighters throughout the towns and cities across our state are some of the bravest men and women in the Commonwealth,” said Senator Moore (D-Millbury). “Their occupation comes with substantial risk, but it is a risk they willingly take in order to ensure the wellbeing and safety of residents in their local communities. Therefore, they must have all the necessary safety equipment, which can be further supplied through this grant funding.”
“I am grateful to the Baker-Polito Administration for acknowledging the great risk firefighters take to protect residents through the Firefighter Safety Grant Program and pleased that this funding has been awarded to the Shrewsbury Fire Department. Thank you to the Shrewsbury Fire Department for working to keep our community safe,” remarked Representative Kane (R-Shrewsbury).
“We are highly appreciative of the investment that our State Leaders and Legislators have made in the Fire Service across the Commonwealth” said Shrewsbury Fire Chief Jim Vuona. “The additional funding we receive will go directly outfitting our firefighters with brand new, NFPA compliant structural firefighting gear - including; helmets, jackets, pants, boots, gloves and protective hoods”
Representative Paul Frost said, “These fire safety grants from the state provide our communities with extra resources to enhance public safety and protection for our local fire and rescue personnel. Our first responders use these extra funds wisely and I’m pleased they received this grant.”
“Without this type of grant funding, we could not supply our firefighters with lifesaving equipment that meets today’s standards,” said Millbury Fire Chief Brian Gasco. “We appreciate the work of the State Fire Marshal Ostrowski and Senator Mike Moore and the state legislature for funding this program.”
“Firefighters risk their lives every day to make sure our families are safe, and our communities are protected from potential devastation,” said Representative David Leboeuf. “With all the risks of the profession it is extremely important that we invest in reducing occupational hazards. This grant program moves towards that goal and I’m thrilled the Leicester Fire Department has been awarded this funding”
"All of us with the Leicester Fire Department are very appreciative for continued investment being made by the state towards firefighter safety in the Commonwealth," said Leicester Chief of Fire Michael Dupuis. "Having been awarded this funding, we can now acquire essential pieces of safety equipment such as new sets of turnout gear, and rehab tents."
The goal of this grant program is to provide fire departments with the necessary protective and safety equipment to meet the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. $5 million was made available in this round of funding.
The Shrewsbury Fire Department has been awarded $20,979.99.
The Millbury Fire Department has been awarded $15,944.79.
The Leicester Fire Department has been awarded $19,000.
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