The Lynnfield Fire Department has been awarded a $19,000 state Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant through the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Department of Fire Services.

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) and State Senator Brendan P. Crighton (D-Lynn) congratulated Lynnfield Fire Chief Glenn Davis for securing the department’s grant award, which was approved following a competitive application process.

Chief Davis noted the grant money will be used to purchase firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE), specifically turnout gear including coats, pants, helmets, and gloves.

“This grant is crucial to firefighter safety and will allow Lynnfield to purchase turnout gear for our newly hired firefighters,” said Chief Davis.

Lynnfield is one of hundreds of municipal fire departments across Massachusetts sharing in a total of $5 million in funding through this state grant program, which helps to pay for the purchase of over 100 types of safety equipment, including essential firefighter turnout gear, hoses, nozzles, communications equipment, and hand tools.

The program’s focus is on providing reimbursement for equipment that will assist fire departments in meeting National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.

“Our first responders play a critical role in protecting the public’s safety throughout the Lynnfield community,” said Representative Jones. “With the dangers firefighters face on a daily basis, it is important that we provide them with the proper equipment to ensure their own personal safety isn’t jeopardized while performing their jobs. This grant funding will help to make that possible.”

“Ensuring the protection of our firefighters while they are risking their own safety is essential,” said Senator Crighton. “This grant provides Lynnfield Fire with the ability to secure turnout gear that will keep our first responders safe so they can continue to effectively do their jobs.”

The latest round of grants is part of a five-year, $25 million state bond authorization to improve fire safety that was previously approved by the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate. This is the fifth and final year funding is being awarded to the Commonwealth’s fire departments under this competitive grant program.

Read the Patch article here