New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Mayor Jon Mitchell announced today that the New Bedford Fire Department was awarded a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the amount of $89,122. New Bedford will use the funds to outfit its fire apparatus with a hearing protection system and to equip its frontline apparatus with automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The FEMA Assistance to Firefighters grant program is designed to help communities like New Bedford purchase equipment that will protect the health and safety of its firefighters.
“New Bedford firefighters are working day and night to protect the lives and property of the residents of our city. I am pleased that the City’s application for funding was approved. This grant will enable us to acquire new equipment that will not only protect our firefighters but also provide them with important lifesaving tools to better serve our residents,” said Mayor Mitchell.
New hearing protection headsets will be interconnected to the department’s existing two-way radio system and onboard intercom system. The new headsets are designed to reduce siren and air horn noise levels heard by firefighters riding in the cab of the truck. High-level ambient noise has been linked to hearing loss among firefighters and the addition of the hearing protection headsets are expected to improve the health and safety of our firefighters.
In addition, automated external defibrillators (AED) will be acquired for each of the ten frontline apparatus. When a person suffers from sudden cardiac arrest, an AED is the most important lifesaving tool for first responders.
“The New Bedford Fire Department is pleased to receive this grant award and the enhanced firefighter safety that comes with it. We are committed to protecting our residents and providing the highest levels of service to the New Bedford community. commitment to providing the highest levels of service to the community possible.Additionally, from a financial standpoint, this will allow us to further leverage our limited capital funds and provide us with the best possible return on the taxpayer’s investment. This is grant is welcome news for the City of New Bedford,” said Fire Chief Michael Gomes. “I also want to thank District Chief Joseph Barros for his continued success and expertise in this area. He has successfully prepared the department’s AFG grant applications for the last seven years.”
