North Reading Fire Department Receives $375,525 from FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program

NORTH READING — Chief Don Stats reports that the North Reading Fire Department will replace its self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) thanks to $375,525 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. 

The grant award to North Reading Fire comes as part of a grant request that was submitted jointly by the North Reading, Newburyport and Topsfield Fire Departments. The total grant award is $781,818, with Newburyport and Topsfield splitting the rest of the funds. 

The North Reading Fire Department plans to use its grant funding to replace the department’s aging SCBA. SCBA are a critically important part of a firefighter’s safety gear, and replacing this equipment will have a significant impact on firefighter safety and health. 

“This grant will enable us to make a major leap forward in firefighter health and safety be replacing critical pieces of our safety equipment,” said Chief Stats. “I want to thank FEMA for these grant funds. This will make a major impact on our department and our firefighters.”

About FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grants

Assistance to Firefighters Grants are allocated to fire departments nationally to fund and aid the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations. These federal grants help firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. 

For more information about FEMA Assistance to Firefighter Grants, click here. 

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