BELMONT — Chief David DeStefano is pleased to announce that the Belmont Fire Department has been awarded a grant of $18,979 as part of the Department of Fire Services 2023 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program.
The grant award will fund the purchase of five new sets of ballistic protection as well as personal safety harnesses for each firefighter.
“The ballistic protection will update the equipment that protects our firefighter/EMTs and paramedics as they work with law enforcement to rescue injured people during hostile events,” said Chief DeStefano. “The personal harnesses used during firefighting and technical rescue operations will act as part of a fall protection system that secures our firefighters while they work on roofs or from ladders.”
This grant program is part of a five-year, $25 million bond that supports firefighter health and safety.
State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey stated, “this program is absolutely vital to helping fire departments prepare for the vast array of hazards they face today and making sure that firefighters go home safe after every call.”
Chief DeStefano would like to thank Governor Baker, Lieutenant Governor Polito, and Fire Marshal Ostroskey for their support in helping firefighters work more safely so they are able to fulfill their mission of protecting the lives and property of the people of Belmont.