Merrimac Fire Department Receives $19,000 Donation from Light Department to Offset Budget Cuts

Fire Chief Larry Fisher, second from right, accepts a check from the Merrimac Light Department. From left, Merrimac Light General Manager Mary Usovicz, Merrimac Light Commissioner Ed Davis, Chief Fisher, Merrimac Light Commissioner Norman Denault. (Photo Courtesy Merrimac Fire Department)

MERRIMAC — The Merrimac Fire Department received a $19,000 donation from the Merrimac Light Department to help offset a 10 percent budget cut affecting all town departments this year.

The Town has asked all departments to reduce their budget line items by 10 percent. This meant the Fire Department faced a $21,000 reduction in FY27, which would have prevented it from maintaining certifications of equipment on its ambulances and fire apparatus.

This marks a second year of budget cuts after the fire department had $45,000 cut from its budget last year due to a failed override. 

Light Department Commissioners announced on April 21 that the Department would provide financial support, and presented Chief Larry Fisher with a check on Thursday, April 23.

The donation bears no cost to Merrimac residents, as the money comes from proceeds for contractual work performed in neighboring communities, such as street light repairs.

The Fire and Light Departments have maintained a strong working relationship for many years.

“It was an easy decision to give these funds to the Fire Department,” said Light Department General Manager Mary Usovicz. “We appreciate all the good things the department does for our town, and we hope to be able to ease some of the financial burdens facing them due to the budget cuts.”

“I’m very grateful that our department is being recognized for the good it does within our community,” said Chief Fisher. “Being able to maintain our equipment ensures that when we respond to a call, we are kept safe and so are the residents we are assisting. This is a big moral boost for our staff.”

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Merrimac Fire Department truck that holds necessary tools and equipment needed by the department. (Photo Courtesy Merrimac Fire Department)