Grants

The Fire Department has been very fortunate over the years in being able to receive State and Federal Grants to assist with the purchase of equipment and fire apparatus defraying the cost away from the tax payers. With the increase in equipment requirements and associated costs, its important for us as a town, to leverage all funding sources possible.  Equipment purchased has ranged from portable radios, hose, forestry protective clothing, fire truck, and breathing apparatus.

Some of the more important grants we have receive are as follows:

Thermal Imaging Camera Grant: With matching funds provided from the Department’s operating budget and funds from the Association, the Department received a Federal Grant to purchase two Thermal Imaging Camera. While the term camera is a little misleading [as it does not take photographs]. These tools allow firefighters to search for missing or trapped people in smoke and fire environments, and look for hidden fire in walls and ceilings. The Federal grant was for $19,350.00, the Department match was $1,935.00, and the Association, with funds received from the Ruth Hanscom Estate [now known as the Hanscom Equipment Fund], donated $14,000.00 to complete the matching amounts and purchase a second camera.

Protective Gear Grant: In 2005, the Department was able to upgrade all of its firefighting protective gear [commonly called bunker gear]. This grant saved the town over $30,000.00.

Tanker 1 Grant: The Department applied for a grant in 2003/2004 to replace the 1972 converted tractor 10 wheeler was replaced with a new tanker in 2005. The Federal Grant amount was $182,700.00, and the matching amount, $43,730.00, was taken out of the Apparatus Capital Reserve Fund.

Self Contained Breathing Apparatus Grant: (SCBA)  The Department was able to receive a grant for the purchase of all new SCBA equipment, including an air tank refilling system. The matching funds for this grant came from the Association, and no impact on the town. This grant was for $100,000.00. This equipmnet is reaching the end of is usable life as defined by NFPA and the manufacturer.  In 2022 we have applied for another grant to replace the current cache of SCBA packs, tanks and masks. We will update everone as soon as we hear the outcomes. 

This list of grants highlights some of the more expensive and successfully grants that we have been able to receive over the years. Every year we apply for grants, large and small. We have received numerous grants over the years for Forestry Equipment and tools. Our Auxiliary and Association have always stepped in to assist the Department, through fund raising efforts [breakfasts / dances] to support a project or to purchase needed equipment.