New Saugus firefighters to be equipped through grant

SAUGUS – The town has received nearly $64,000 in a grant to pay for new gear for the fire department.In order to ensure that 10 newly hired firefighters would have new, reliable gear, however, the Fire Department needed Town Meeting to approve $22,000 before making that purchase.Deputy Fire Chief Michael Newbury said that amount only covered jackets, suspenders and pants. Adding gloves, helmets and boots would have driven the cost up to $30,000, he said.With assistance from U.S. Rep. John Tierney, Town Manager Scott Crabtree was able to secure an Assistance to Firefighters Grant for a total of $63,800 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.Allocated as a 90/10 split grant, 90 percent, or $57,420, will be funded by the federal government, and the remaining 10 percent, or $6,380, will be financed through the town.”This is another great opportunity for the Town of Saugus,” said Crabtree. “I want to thank the congressman’s assistance in securing another public safety grant.”In addition to getting new gear that will keep his firefighters safe, Newbury said the town manager also guided the department through the process of hiring new employees.”He was helpful through the whole thing,” said Newbury.The increase in personnel was funded using $1.2 million from the federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant that was awarded to the town at the end of last year.”This grant will fit nicely with the SAFER Grant the town received that allowed Saugus to hire new firefighters,” said Crabtree. “This federal grant will pay to outfit those new firefighters rather than the town having the total expense.”Newbury explained that firefighting gear needs to be replaced every 10 years in accordance with Standard 1851 of the National Fire Protection Association.He added that the department keeps older gear on hand but only for training purposes. It could never be used in an actual fire.The AFG Grant will fund the purchase of 29 sets of gear, enough for each firefighter to have two sets.”This grant is really important to get them what they need,” said Newbury.He added that other capital purchases may be possible depending on the amount of residual funding after the primary expenses have been paid.”It’s a great thing for the department,” said Newbury. “We have a firefighting force that’s up to standards.”