West Newbury Fire Dept. to Use State Grant for Automobile Accident Rescue Equipment

The West Newbury Fire Department is replacing its more than 20-year-old vehicle extrication rescue equipment thanks to a $10,000 grant from the state Department of Fire Services.

Fire Chief Michael Dwyer said the town was among those who applied for 114 different types of eligible equipment, including personal protective clothing, gear washers and dryers, thermal imaging cameras, assorted hand tools and extrication equipment, communications resources, hazardous gas meters, fitness equipment and more

“We’re very thankful for this funding, which will allow us to purchase a much-needed upgrade to life saving equipment,” Dwyer said. “Technology has changed greatly over the past 20 years and this equipment is a key asset to ensuring we are able to assist people swiftly and effectively in emergencies like motor vehicle crashes.”

The $4 million awarded to departments statewide is part of a $25 million bond bill filed by the Baker-Polito Administration to support firefighter health and safety over the next five years.

State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey said the money couldn’t come at a better time. “With the financial challenges that COVID-19 has brought to so many Massachusetts municipalities, this grant funding will mitigate critical budget gaps in many departments.”

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