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Date: 12/19/2022
LUDLOW/BELCHERTOWN – The Ludlow and Belchertown Fire departments received grants from the state for fire safety equipment.
Ludlow received $19,000 and Belchertown received $16,100.
The Baker-Polito administration announced $5 million in grant awards to 308 fire departments from the FY23 firefighter safety equipment grant program.
The program provides local fire departments with a variety of equipment that makes the dangerous job of firefighting safer.
This is the third year that funding has been awarded for this purpose as part of a five-year, $25 million bond bill filed by the administration to support firefighter safety and health in the coming years.
Belchertown Fire Chief John Ingram said, “We are absolutely grateful to receive the grants again this year.”
He added that the funds will be used to cover the cost of firefighting gear for six new firefighters who are joining the department.
Ingram said, “We applied for a separate federal grant to add additional firefighters to departments in communities that show a need because they are busy and understaffed. These six folks will help with ambulance and additional calls.”
Ludlow Fire Chief Ryan Pease said he is pleased to receive the grants and the funds Ludlow received will be used to purchase firefighting turnout gear and high-visibility EMS extrication coats.
“The coats will help paramedics working on roadways be more visible to drivers. They also will protect paramedics from the outside elements, as well as infections caused by contact with blood pathogens.” Pease added.