By Paul Tuthill
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-998392.mp3
Springfield, MA – Fire departments across Massachusetts have been awarded more than one point five million dollars in federal money to improve operations and safety. Two firefighters in Massachusetts were killed on the job this month.. WAMC"s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.
Grants, in various amounts, from the US Department of Homeland Security have been awarded to 8 fire departments for training programs, new equipment and safety gear. A 200 thousand dollar grant will allow the Springfield Fire Department to upgrade its emergency radio units from analog to digital based equipment, according to the fire commissioner, Gary Cassanelli
Federal authorities have made improved communications for first responders a priority, because of the communication breakdowns that occurred during the 9-11 terrorist attacks.
The Springfield Fire Department will use the federal grant to purchase and install 35 radios in all frontline fire apparatus, back up units and command vehicles. Radios in station houses will be reprogrammed. The Federal Communication Commission has mandated the all public safety agencies in the country broadcast in the digital spectrum by January 2013.
The Springfield Fire Department has been very successful in securing money from the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program. During the past ten years, the department has been awarded more than 2 and a half million dollars, according to the department's Administrative Officer Garrett Sullivan.
Sullivan says the grants have paid for firefighter breathing apparatus, portable radios, thermal imaging cameras as well as a new ladder truck and a new rescue squad vehicle. Officials readily admit the local fire department could not have afforded to purchase any of this without help from the federal government.
Massachusetts Congressman Richard Neal says the federal government grants to help local fire departments is both warranted and wise.
Fire departments in North Adams and Ludlow also received grants from homeland security in this latest round of funding. The fire department in Worcester received one of the largest grant awards, 405 thousand dollars. A Worcester firefighter died earlier this month after he became trapped when a portion of a burning apartment house collapsed.