North Reading Fire Department Awarded $18,636 State Grant

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading), Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr (R-Gloucester) and North Reading Fire Chief Donald W. Stats, Jr. joined with the Baker-Polito Administration to announce that the North Reading Fire Department has been awarded an $18,636 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant.

North Reading is among 308 fire departments across Massachusetts sharing a combined $5 million in grant funding intended for the purchase of safety gear and equipment, according to Secretary of Public Safety and Security Terrence Reidy and State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey. North Reading will use its grant award to purchase an accountability board/mobile command console as well as self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) bottles.

“North Reading’s firefighters play an essential role in protecting the public but are often subject to hazardous working conditions when performing their duties,” said Representative Jones. “This grant award will provide our local first responders with the necessary tools and protective equipment to help make their jobs safer.”

“We depend on firefighters to keep us safe, and they depend on having modern, reliable, and trustworthy gear to protect themselves and respond effectively in our times of need,” said Senator Tarr. “That is why funding these grants is a continuing priority for me and my legislative colleagues. The National Fire Protection Association and others report that replacing old gear, like helmets, gloves, boots, pants, and jackets, extrication tools, lighting, and communications equipment makes our communities safer.”

“I am extremely grateful that the State and Department of Fire Services recognizes the job and inherent dangers that firefighters face while performing their duties and the importance of assisting to provide critical pieces of equipment to that end. I believe this program is important to North Reading and the surrounding communities, who provide mutual aid to one another, and should continue to be funded and supported through the Department of Fire Service,” said Chief Stats.

The latest round of grants is part of a five-year, $25 million state bond authorization to improve fire safety. This is the third year funding has been awarded to Massachusetts fire departments under this competitive grant program through the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and the Department of Fire Services.

“I am certain that many emergency calls will have better outcomes for both responders and victims as a result of this program, and that the long-term health of our firefighters will be greatly enhanced,” noted Ostroskey.