Eric Smith, Fire Chief
8 School St.
Gloucester, MA 01930
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Gloucester Fire Department Awarded Federal Emergency Management Agency Grant
GLOUCESTER — Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken and Chief Eric Smith are pleased to announce that the Gloucester Fire Department has been awarded an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The grant, including a 10 percent city match, will total $515,900 and will be used to purchase 80 new portable radios and related accessories, replacing the outdated equipment the department is currently using.
“This grant is a strong reflection of the effort of numerous talented individuals who participated in the grant application process,” Chief Smith said. “Their hard work has resulted in an award that will help us communicate better in dangerous situations and do our jobs more efficiently, helping to keep everyone safe.”
Gloucester fire Lt. Nicholas Ouelette and Capt. Tom LoGrande completed the grant application on behalf of the department, which was submitted with the blessing of Mayor Romeo Theken.
Chief Smith has requested additional funding from the city, bringing the city’s total match to approximately $50,000, in order to help close the gap between the AFG grant award and the amount the Gloucester Fire Department initially sought during the application process.
The goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant is to meet the needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations. Since 2001, the grants have helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.
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