SHAHEEN ANNOUNCES GRANT FOR NEW BOSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) announced today that the New Boston Fire Department has been awarded money for recruitment through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

“It is important that the New Boston Fire Department has the men and women it needs to protect its community,” Shaheen said. “I am glad the fire department will be able to provide increased emergency response with additional medical technicians.”

The New Boston Fire Department is an all-volunteer department and is often short on emergency medical technician (EMT) coverage during the day, which is typically when it must respond to medical emergency calls. The department will use the $265,400 grant to fill the gaps in daytime coverage by partnering with local paramedic programs.  Students will volunteer at the department during the day and in exchange, the New Boston Fire Department will assist students with tuition funds.

“We are an all-volunteer fire department and because of this we have the lightest coverage during the daytime hours, which is when we get the most medical calls. This grant will help us address this shortage and will allow us to assist other communities as well,” said Fire Chief Daniel MacDonald. “Our town and region will benefit from having additional people on call and the students will receive assistance with their tuition.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program provides funding to local fire departments to help them improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations through specialized emergency training for response to situations like terrorist attacks; enhancement of emergency medical services programs; development of health and safety initiatives; establishment of fire education and prevention programs; creation of wellness and fitness programs; and equipment and facility upgrades.  All grants require a local match.