Firefighters try out the new self-contained breathing apparatus units.
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — The Volunteer Fire Department has has been able to purchase new gear thanks to a $117,000 federal grant.
The department was notified Oct. 7 that it had been awarded the grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Fire Fighters Program.
The grant paid for 18 new self-contained breathing apparatus units, or SCBA. The new Scott Pro III air packs will replace the 14-year-old units now in service.
Deputy Chief Cody Sanderson researched the numerous companies that manufacture SCBA equipment before deciding to purchase the Scott Pro III. Each new SCBA unit, which consist of the harness, air bottle, regulator and face mask, is lighter, more compact and will provide the latest technology in safety features.
Used on the fireground for entering a burning building, or any time firefighters are exposed to hazardous conditions, the SCBA units will provide state-of-the-art protection to Lanesborough firefighters.
The FEMA grant required a 5 percent match from the town of Lanesborough. The $5,850 in matching funds were voted at the annual town meeting last June. The remaining $111,150 was provided by the federal grant. The cost of each SCBA unit is $6,500. So for less than the cost of one unit, the Fire Department and the town received 18 new SCBA units.
Firefighters began set up and training with the new equipment this week, and expect the units to be in service by the beginning of the new year.
The firefighters received assistance in writing the grant proposal from A.J. Jusino, president of Emergency Response Consultant Group, and town resident Neil Myers. The members of the Lanesborough Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank ERCG, Myers, Town Manager Kelli Robbins, the town Finance Committee, the Board of Selectmen and most importantly, the townspeople of Lanesborough for their support.
This report was submitted by P.J. Pannesco, treasurer for the Lanesborough Volunteer Fire Department.
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Dalton Fire District Votes OK All Articles, Return Incumbents
By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
Fire Chief Christian Tobin explains the Fire Department budget at Tuesday's annual district meeting.
DALTON, Mass. — Voters approved all 22 articles on the warrant unanimously at the annual Fire District meeting on Tuesday night at the Stationery Factory.
Approximately 75 voters attended the meeting, which lasted a little more than a half hour, to vote on the proposed $3,524,680 budget for fiscal year 2025.
The Fire District and town are two separate governing bodies. The Fire and Water departments are the Fire District's responsibility. The Board of Water Commissioners and the Prudential Committee govern the district.
A number of the budget hikes are caused by increases outside the district's control, specifically insurance, Water Commission Chair James Driscoll said during the meeting.
Ambulance and fire proposed a combined budget of $1,873,608, up approximately $360,000. The department's increase is related to competitive wages and stipends, personnel, and building improvements, all of which aim to improve the district's Property Protection Classification.
In addition to that, just like the other department's in the district, insurance hikes contributed to the increases.
Article 9 raised $370,560 to pay the principal and interest on several district loans.
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