WILMINGTON, MA — At Monday night’s Board of Selectmen Meeting, Town Manager Jeff Hull announced that the Wilmington Fire Department was recently awarded a $1.5 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
This SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response) grant will assist the town in funding the 8 new firefighter positions that were previously approved at the 2019 Annual Town Meeting.
“The grant will cover a portion of the cost associated with the expansion of staffing at the Fire Department,” explained Hull. “This funding will cover 75% of the costs of new salaries and benefits for the first two years and 35% for the third year. This is very good news for us.”
“This is a huge, huge plus for the community,” responded Selectmen Chair Greg Bendel. “Thank you to those who were involved in seeking out this grant…. I applaud you and your leadership team for seeking out these types of grants and I encourage you to continue to do so.”
Hull recognized the efforts of Chief Joe McMahon and Deputy Chief Bill Cavanaugh.
“Deputy Chief Bill Cavanaugh really did the bulk of the leg work. Conversations began back in February,” noted Hull. “This was a highly competitive grant process. A number of communities were seeking these grants.”
Wilmington was one of just 12 Massachusetts communities to receive a SAFER grant.
In a press release issued last week, Wilmington’s federal delegation offered some comments on the grant announcement.
“I know what it’s like to go into harm’s way without the right equipment, like in those days in Iraq when we didn’t have the right armor for ourselves or our trucks. We should expect better for the firefighters in our community. I’m glad these FEMA grants have come through, and I’ll keep working to make sure firefighters always have the gear and training they need to do their jobs,” said Congressman Seth Moulton
“Firefighters across the Commonwealth and the country work tirelessly to protect our families, and it is our duty to ensure they are well-equipped and supported to continue keeping our communities safe,” added Senator Elizabeth Warren. “I remain grateful for their service, and congratulate all of the recipients of this well-deserved new funding.”
“Our firefighters are committed to ensuring the safety and security of our towns, and this new funding will enhance their ability to do so,” said Senator Ed Markey. “These brave first responders deserve the best equipment and resources available to them so they can continue to assist residents in their time of need. I commend all of the local leaders for their persistence in obtaining these critical federal funds.”
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