North Reading Fire Department Receives $984,692 Federal Grant to Add Four Firefighters

NORTH READING — Chief Don Stats is pleased to share that the North Reading Fire Department has received a $984,692.32 federal grant to add four firefighters.

The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant, combined with a $612,106.04 contribution from the Town of North Reading, will provide $1,596,798.36 to support the four positions.

This funding will allow North Reading Fire to hire four additional firefighters to the department —  adding one to each of the Department’s four shifts, bringing shift totals to 8 firefighters on each.

Prior to this grant opportunity, the Town of North Reading has funded nine new positions on the fire department over the past three fiscal years. This much-needed funding will allow the Town and Fire Department to meet its staffing model plan and enhance the Department’s ability to meet national staffing and response time standards found in NFPA 1710.

The additional positions will allow North Reading Fire to expand its staff and lessen the burden on current crews who are working tirelessly to meet the needs of the growing community. 

“I am thrilled to be able to have the funding to support my current staff and add additional firefighters to our department. Before I became Chief, one of my goals was to expand our department to better serve North Reading and make sure our current staff’s needs were being met,” said Chief Stats. “I would like to thank the Town and the Select Board for their continued support throughout this process. I would also like to acknowledge the men and women of the department for their unwavering commitment to service, professionalism, and dedication. I am excited to have the means to expand our department so that we can make even more of an impact for our residents each day.” 

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