Vineyard Fire Departments Awarded Safety Equipment Grants

MARTHA'S VINEYARD, MA — Five Martha's Vineyard fire departments have been awarded state grants for new safety equipment.

Aquinnah Fire Department has received $8,485, Chilmark Fire Department has received $7,779, Edgartown Fire Department has received $9,876, Oak Bluffs Fire Department has received $9,929, and Tisbury Fire Department has received $10,000.

The funding, provided by the Department of Fire Services Fiscal Year 2021 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program, allows the department to choose between 114 different types of protective equipment, including personal protective clothing, gear washers and dryers, thermal imaging cameras, assorted hand tools and extrication equipment, communications resources, hazardous gas meters, and fitness equipment.

The grant program awards $4 million to departments statewide as part of a $25 million bond bill filed by the Baker-Polito Administration and enables fire departments in Massachusetts to apply for much needed aid.

"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 in a statement. "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."