North Andover Fire Wins $14.9K Grant For Protective Gear

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — The North Andover Fire- Department received a state grant of nearly $15,000 for firefighter safety equipment, Chief William McCarthy said.

The department's $14,904.90 grant will go to protective equipment for the firefighters, McCarthy said.

The 2021 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program awarded $4 million to nearly 300 departments across the state. The program pays for 114 different types of eligible equipment, including protective gear, tools, communication equipment and fitness equipment.

“Investing in the short-term and long-term health and safety of firefighters has been a hallmark of the Baker-Polito Administration,” State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey said of the program. “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 grant round is well-timed, Ostroskey said.

"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," he said.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.