Governor Announces Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant of $18,717 to Westwood Fire Department

Westwood Fire Department and fire departments of surrounding towns have received grant awards in the thousands of dollars for fire safety equipment, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced on February 6th.

Grant amounts awarded to Westwood Fire Department and locally to neighboring fire departments are as follows:

Westwood - $18,717.00

Canton - $6,500.66

Dedham - $11,345.03

Dover - $9,896.22

Medfield - $19,000.00

Newton - $35,000.00

Norwood - $24,973.50

Walpole - $19,000.00

Fire departments throughout the Commonwealth were invited to apply to the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program, now in its fourth year. The grant program provides reimbursements on purchases for equipment including hoses and nozzles, turnout gear, gear washers and dryers, thermal imaging cameras, hand tools and extrication equipment, communications resources, and hazardous gas detectors, among many more items.

According to Secretary of Public Safety and Security Terrence Reidy, this is the second year that Massachusetts fire departments have used funding to be applied to ballistic protective gear, to assist them in making life-saving rescues in active shooter situations. Ballistic vests and helmets are listed as two items in the top 20 most frequently funded categories of fire safety equipment through this year's grants.

“Every single day, firefighters across Massachusetts put themselves in harm’s way to protect their communities,” said Governor Maura Healey. “They deserve our thanks and our support. The Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program is just one way we can express our appreciation for that selfless dedication.”

“The Firefighter Safety Equipment Grants are an investment in the health and safety of Massachusetts firefighters,” said State Fire Marshal Jon Davine. “The flexibility of the program is especially valuable because it allows each department to make purchases based on their specific needs and resources. It has become a vital part of the way the Massachusetts fire service prepares for the constantly evolving threats in the world around us.”

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