Fall River Fire, other area departments, receiving grant funding

Friday, the Baker-Polito Administration announced $4 million in grant funding to 294 fire departments as part of a $25 million bond bill filed by the Baker-Polito Administration to support firefighter health and safety over the next five years.

Fire departments in Massachusetts were able to apply to this program for 114 different types of eligible equipment, including personal protective clothing, gear washers and dryers, thermal imaging cameras, assorted hand tools and extrication equipment, communications resources, hazardous gas meters, fitness equipment and more.

“Investing in the short-term and long-term health and safety of firefighters has been a hallmark of the Baker-Polito Administration,” said State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey. “I am grateful that we are able to continue supporting this initiative and make sure that firefighters not only go home safe at the end of every shift, but also that they maintain their health during and after their careers. This funding couldn’t come at a better time either. With the financial challenges that COVID-19 has brought to so many Massachusetts municipalities, this grant funding will mitigate critical budget gaps in many departments.”

Fall River Chief John Lynch stated that “this grant will buy Positive Pressure Ventilation fans and SCBA protective hoods. Training District Chief Michael Shea was instrumental in this grant along with Lt. Ryan Hebda.”

Some of the area award recipients include:

Fall River Fire Department – $25,611
New Bedford Fire Department – $25,052.65
Westport Fire Department – $14,343
Freetown Fire Department – $12,500
Swansea Fire Department – $14,820
Dartmouth Fire District One – $14,785
Dartmouth Fire District No. 3 – $14,994
Taunton Fire Department – $25,999.92
Lakeville Fire Department – $15,000
Rochester Fire Department – $12,500