The Maynard Volunteer Fire Department will receive two federal grants to improve equipment and firefighter well-being, according to local officials.
The Assistance to Firefighters program under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved the department for a total of 95% funding for both grants, requiring a local match of $15,825.01 from the city of Maynard. The Maynard City Council voted earlier this week to provide the city's share, clearing the way for the department to move forward with the purchases and health services.
One grant will provide $150,000 for the acquisition of a new brush truck, an essential vehicle for fire response in rural and wooded areas often seen in the region. The second grant will focus on firefighter safety, replacing 15 outdated helmets and covering the costs of annual physical exams, cancer screenings, and mental health counseling for department personnel.
These measures aim to enhance safety, readiness, and overall health for the department, which serves the Maynard community and surrounding areas. Officials expressed that the funding will help them better protect both their firefighters and the community they serve.