$144,728 makes Saugus Fire Dept. breathe easier

SAUGUS – The Saugus Fire Department will receive a grant of more than $144,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that will supply the department with updated equipment.The announcement came earlier this week from U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, who visited the town, both to present the grant and to help explore ways to develop the Hilltop Steakhouse property.”These firefighters put their lives on the line for Saugus residents every day,” said Moulton. “We need to ensure they have the best equipment possible both to protect themselves and help people in need.”I am grateful to the brave firefighters for their commitment to this community and to FEMA for its investment in Saugus,” he said.The breathing apparatus, which is called a Scott Air-Pak, will be a newer model than the department currently has. It will have a “sleeker design” and will be “more compact,” said Town Manager Scott Crabtree.”It should help them get into smaller places without getting caught up,” he said. “The units will be much more heat-resistant and should improve the ability to hear and communicate.””Breathing devices are a critical part of a firefighter’s safety equipment,” said Chief Don McQuaid said. “We are thrilled to receive funds that will allow us to replace outdated equipment so that we may increase firefighter safety and continue to protect our residents during emergency situations.”To receive the federal grant, Saugus had to prove it could match the amount of money that would be provided by FEMA.”We had to make sure that we were managing the department at a financial and operational standpoint,” Crabtree said. “And also that we were in need of this life-saving equipment.”I would commend the chief and the department for seeking out available funds and opportunities for the town that don’t have a negative impact on our operating budget, which provides services to the community,” Crabtree said.Before the announcement was made on Thursday, Moulton had lunch with Crabtree and Robert Luongo, the town’s economic development coordinator, and discussed improving the town’s operating budget.”We talked about economic and small business opportunities in general,” Crabtree said. “It was great for the congressman to get to know the community.”We got to discuss the community as a whole and what our needs are,” he said. That included the future for the Hilltop property, which now has many possibilities.”The Town Meeting recently voted to change rezoning to a mixed use and attract a more sustainable and smart-growth development,” Crabtree said. “It would be the better of two ways to grow our operating budget. The other way is to override and increase taxes, which is the least favorable option.”The FEMA grant, which is for $144,728, will be big help in stretching the budget, he said.”I am pleased that these federal funds will allow us to provide essential upgrades for the Saugus Fire Department and enhance the safety of our community,” Crabtree said.”This is a great opportunity without affecting the Town’s budget or local taxes. I want to thank Congressman Moulton for his commitment to Saugus. I will continue to work with the congressman to ensure that our fire department has the support and resources it needs for the safety of our firefighters and our residents.”