Malden legislators announce state grant to purchase safety equipment for the Malden Fire Dept.

Special to The Advocate

State Senator Jason Lewis and State Representatives Paul Donato, Steven Ultrino and Kate Lipper-Garabedian were pleased to announce that the Malden Fire Department is receiving a $21,073 state grant to purchase safety equipment to protect firefighters through the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program. The Massachusetts Legislature funds the program. Fire departments across Massachusetts are able to use the program to purchase a wide variety of eligible equipment: thermal and ballistic protective clothing, thermal imaging cameras, hand tools and extrication equipment, hoses and nozzles, communications gear, hazardous gas meters and much more.

“Our brave firefighters risk health hazards posed by smoke and other fire byproducts to protect our lives and property,” said Senator Lewis. “We owe it to them to ensure that they have all necessary safety equipment, and this grant will help do so.”

“Our firefighters’ safety in the City of Malden is heavily dependent on the quality of equipment that is used on a daily basis,” said House Second Assistant Majority Leader Donato. “This grant not only affects the firefighters on the job themselves, but also the greater Malden community as a whole in keeping the citizens safe.”

“This investment will provide our firefighters with the resources they need to respond to emergencies with greater protection and efficiency,” said House Chair Ultrino. “This funding is a vital step in ensuring the safety and well-being of both our first responders and the community they serve.”

“Firefighters keep our communities safe and secure,” said House Chair Lipper-Garabedian. “They risk their lives to help others. It is essential that we equip them with the resources that protect them while they carry out their work. That’s why I’ve supported statewide investment in the FY26 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program and why I’m pleased to see the Malden Fire Department receive state funding to invest in equipment that safeguards these brave men and women.”

“In these continued challenging times, I appreciate our State Legislative Delegation prioritizing public safety,” said Mayor Gary Christenson. “This funding will provide essential safety equipment for our Fire Department, ensuring our firefighters have the protection they need while serving and safeguarding our community.”

“This grant will allow us to purchase an airbag system for extrication that is more effective and easier to deploy,” said Fire Chief Stephen Froio. “We are also replacing a thermal imaging camera that was damaged. The remaining funds will be used for personal protective equipment that is non-fluorinated to meet the new Massachusetts General Laws.”

The Firefighter Safety Grant Program is funded by the Massachusetts Legislature.