Thanks to a state grant program for firefighter safety equipment, local fire departments are getting the gear they need to keep themselves – and their communities – safe.
State Rep. Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. recently announced that the Wilbraham Fire Department will receive $8,976 and the East Longmeadow Fire Department will receive $15,000 as part of a $4 million Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program. The funding will benefit 294 fire departments around the state.
A variety of equipment is eligible for purchase with the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program, including protective firefighting gear, thermal imaging cameras, radios, rescue equipment and gear washers and dryers.
Wilbraham Fire Chief Michael Andrews told Reminder Publishing that the funds will be used to procure a “ram,” part of the “Jaws of Life” set of equipment.