Malden legislators celebrate $35K state grant to purchase safety equipment for Malden Fire Dept.

Special to The Advocate

State Senator Jason Lewis and State Representatives Paul Donato, Steve Ultrino and Kate Lipper-Garabedian were pleased to announce that the Malden Fire Department will be receiving $35,000 to purchase new safety equipment to protect firefighters through the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program. Fire departments across Massachusetts are able to use this program to purchase 135 different types of eligible equipment, including ballistic protective clothing, thermal protective clothing, gear washers and dryers, thermal imaging cameras, assorted hand tools and extrication equipment, communications resources, hazardous gas meters, and much more. This is the fourth year that funding has been available to support firefighter safety through this state program.

“Our brave firefighters risk the health hazards posed by smoke and other fire byproducts to keep us safe. We owe it to our first responders to provide them the equipment they need to stay safe and healthy,” said Senator Lewis. “I’m pleased that this state grant will support the Malden Fire Department and help keep our community and firefighters protected.”

“We are excited to announce that the Malden Fire Department has been awarded a generous grant to acquire essential safety equipment,” said Representative Donato. “This grant not only reinforces the commitment of our state to public safety, but it also highlights the dedicated and hard work of our firefighters. These men and women tirelessly serve our community with unwavering bravery, and we cannot thank them enough.”

“Our firefighters dedicate their lives to protecting our community, and we must ensure they have the necessary equipment and protective gear to keep Malden safe,” said Representative Ultrino. “I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and my colleagues in the Legislature for continuing to invest in the health and safety of our firefighters as they save lives and serve our City.”

“Our firefighters risk their safety and health every day to protect our community; it is critical that they have the proper equipment they need to remain protected,” said Representative Lipper-Garabedian. “In recent years, I have been glad to join Malden’s state delegation in securing earmark funding for fire safety equipment and station improvements. I also am proud to support state funding for this grant program each year. It’s always gratifying to see a department in my District receive an award.”

“With this grant, the Malden Fire Department will be able to purchase 3 thermal imaging cameras as well as 2 blitz guns and 800′ of hose,” said Malden Fire Chief Stephen Froio. “We are grateful to the State Delegation for making it possible to replace our aging thermal imaging cameras, these tools help us to better serve the residents of Malden and the State.”