Concord Fire Department Receives $18,710 State Grant to Improve Safety Equipment

CONCORD — Fire Chief Brian Whitney is pleased to share that the Concord Fire Department was awarded a $18,710 grant through the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program, administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and the Department of Fire Services (DFS).

The funding has supported the purchase of safety equipment designed to enhance firefighter protection, operational readiness, and emergency response capabilities. 

The Concord Fire Department will use the funding to replace aging hydrant valves and gates, including several large “hydrant assist valves” (HAVs) and smaller gate valves for side ports.

The valves being replaced are all at least 20 years old and have been rebuilt multiple times, but are now beyond further repair. When in use, the existing valves leak continuously, resulting in water loss and creating a safety hazard during winter operations.

The grant is administered on a cost-reimbursement basis, with reimbursement requests submitted by July 24, 2026.

“This funding allows us to replace critical, aging infrastructure that not only improves operational efficiency but also reduces safety risks for our firefighters,” said Chief Whitney. “We appreciate the support, as it helps ease the burden on the town budget while allowing us to pursue important upgrades.”

For more information about the grant, visit the Commonwealth’s website.

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