Burlington Fire Wins $14K Safety Equipment Grant

BURLINGTON, MA — Burlington Fire received a $14,140 grant from the state's Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program, Chief Michael Patterson said Monday.

The state program awarded $4 million grants to nearly 300 fire departments this year. Burlington's award will be spent on fitness equipment in the fire headquarters weight room, Patterson said.

"The new equipment will replace aging items as well as those that have been donated to the department over the years, and help ensure that firefighters can remain in top physical shape in order to be prepared for the rigorous demands of their roles," the department said in a news release.

"Heart attacks are among the leading causes of death for firefighters, so keeping our firefighters physically fit is an essential part of our mission," Patterson said. "I want to thank Firefighter Michael Morgan, who is passionate about physical fitness, for his assistance in developing this grant application. I'm also grateful to the Department of Fire Services and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security for their support."

Equipment including protective gear, washers and dryers, tools and more were eligible purchases for the grant program.

“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.”