GLOUCESTER — Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken and Chief Eric Smith are pleased to announce that the Gloucester Fire Department received a $323,091 Assistance to Firefighters Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The money will be used to purchase up-to-date self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). This new equipment will replace the department’s entire cache of aging units with the latest version of National Fire Protection Association compliant devices.
“This grant allows the Fire Department to complete necessary upgrades to their equipment so that firefighters can do their job safely and effectively,” Mayor Theken said. “Thank you to FEMA for this generous allocation.”
Gloucester will provide a 10 percent match of $32,309 to accompany the federal grant, totaling $355,400 for the replacement of all SCBA.
Grant funding includes:
• 45 SCBA units – harness/backpack, face piece (mask) and two cylinders
• 38 additional masks
• SCBA repair and diagnostics training for two members of the Fire Department
The grant was written by Capt. Tom LoGrande, who was assisted by the Fire Chief’s office, EMS Coordinator Sander Schultz, the Mayor’s office, Treasurer’s office, Assessor’s office and numerous firefighters who provided data and reviewed the grant.
“This team effort led by Capt. LoGrande shows the strong commitment of the members of the Gloucester Fire Department to provide first class public safety to our community while ensuring the safety of first responders,” Chief Smith said.
The goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant is to meet the needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations. Since 2001, the grants have helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.
“Our firefighters put their lives on the line to keep our families and communities safe,” U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren said. “Chief Smith and Mayor Romeo Theken deserve credit for their efforts to get this federal grant, and I’m very glad it will help the Gloucester Fire Department get new equipment to help firefighters do their jobs effectively.”
