Hilltop Fire Department to use stimulus grant for sprinkler system, fire alarms

SOMERSWORTH - The city's Fire Department will receive much-needed safety upgrades after it was awarded a $94,525 federal grant Wednesday.
The money will pay for sprinkler and fire alarm systems at the fire station, along with a new emergency backup generator, according to Fire Chief Don Messier. The building was built in the 1970s and did not have sprinkler or fire alarm systems, he said.
The grant was secured by U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-Madbury. She also secured $33,345 for Strafford Fire & Rescue.
"New Hampshire firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect our families and our communities," Shaheen said in a statement. "These funds will ensure that our courageous first responders have the resources they need to continue doing their job safely and effectively."
The money was funded through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.