BLACKSTONE — Fire Chief Kevin Roy is pleased to report that the Blackstone Fire Department received a $15,473.25 grant through the FY2025 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program.
The Blackstone Fire Department will use the funding to purchase swift water rescue equipment such as suits, helmets, gloves, ropes, and harnesses. This equipment is vital in Blackstone due to the town's Blackstone and Mill Rivers.
While the department currently has cold-water rescue suits, they are
specific to non-moving water emergencies, such as ice rescues on ponds and lakes. Swift water, such as rivers, requires a different type of suit and equipment.
Fire departments across Massachusetts were invited to apply to the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program, which provides reimbursement on purchases of eligible safety equipment. Eligible items include turnout gear, ballistic protective equipment, gear washers and dryers, thermal imaging cameras, hand tools and extrication tools, communications resources, hazardous gas meters, and more.
In many cases, purchasing this equipment will help departments comply with Occupational Safety & Health Administration or National Fire Protection Association safety standards.
The grant is administered by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) and the Department of Fire Services (DFS).
"We have responded to water emergencies on both rivers in town in the past," Chief Roy said. "The purchase of this equipment will enhance our safety while working alongside or in the rivers. We are very thankful for this important funding."
