WORCESTER — Fire departments in Worcester and several surrounding communities will receive nearly $100,000 in state funding to upgrade firefighter safety equipment, part of a broader $5 million grant program announced by the state.
The funding is part of the state’s Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program, which will distribute funds to 307 fire departments across Massachusetts. In the Second Worcester District, grants were awarded to the City of Worcester and the towns of Grafton, Millbury, Shrewsbury and Westborough.
The awards include $19,922.36 for Worcester, $25,000 for Shrewsbury, $19,000 for Millbury, $18,729.06 for Westborough and $13,313.83 for Grafton, according to the announcement.
The grants are intended to help departments purchase upgraded equipment designed to improve firefighter safety and help departments meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration and National Fire Protection Association standards. Eligible equipment includes turnout gear, hoses and nozzles, radios, thermal imaging cameras, hazardous gas meters, hand tools and extrication equipment.
“Our firefighters put their lives at risk on a daily basis to protect their neighbors. The least we can do is ensure that they have the best of the best when it comes to equipment to keep themselves safe too,” said Sen. Michael Moore, D-Millbury, in the announcement.
Moore also highlighted new state regulations related to firefighter turnout gear containing PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals.” Under legislation passed in 2024, turnout gear purchased this year must include notice if it contains PFAS chemicals, and beginning Jan. 1, 2027, firefighting turnout equipment containing PFAS will be prohibited from being manufactured, distributed or sold, according to the announcement.
PFAS, or polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a class of chemicals used in products designed to be fireproof, waterproof or non-stick. The chemicals are known for their persistence in the environment and have been linked to increased risks of cancer, immunosuppression, birth defects and other health concerns, according to the announcement.
The Healey administration invited departments statewide to apply for reimbursement grants covering nearly 100 types of safety equipment. Officials said the funding is intended to support firefighter safety while helping departments upgrade aging equipment and maintain compliance with safety standards.
The full list of grant recipients is available through the governor’s office.
