Northborough Fire Dept. Receives $2,500 Grant

NORTHBOROUGH, MA — The Northborough Fire Department received some extra funding for equipment from the state. The department was awarded a $2,500 Firefighter Turnout Gear Grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and the Department of Fire Services.

The department said the money will be used to purchase hoods and gloves for personal protection during firefighting operations.

“This gear will protect our firefighters from the immediate risks associated with fighting fires in dangerous environments, and just as importantly, protect them from the delayed risk of occupational cancers caused by exposure to the toxic chemicals produced during fires,” said Chief Parenti. “Properly equipping our firefighters with the gear needed to be safe allows them
to do their jobs as effectively as possible and is a great benefit to the overall safety of our community,” he added.

“We now know that the risk of occupational cancer is among the greatest threats faced by modern firefighters and are thankful that the Commonwealth has been able to invest in this personal protective equipment to improve the overall health and safety of firefighters,” said State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey. “Providing firefighters with new hoods and gloves to protect their heads and hands from exposure to the toxic chemicals that cause cancer is one of the most effective steps we can take to prevent future cancer diagnoses.”

Funding for this grant program was made available through the Baker-Polito administration for fire departments across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.