MAYNARD — The Maynard Fire Department welcomed a member of its State House delegation to the fire station last week to showcase new equipment the department secured through a state grant.
State Sen. Jamie Eldridge visited the station Friday, June 28, to see first-hand the critical equipment the department now has thanks to his efforts to provide a $100,000 grant during the previous legislative session.
Some of the funds were used to obtain office equipment, while the majority of the funds have been expended to acquire critical equipment that will help improve firefighter health and safety. The Maynard Fire Department is in need of a new station, but this equipment will provide immediate upgrades to its existing facility and can be moved to an eventual new station.
“We were so glad to welcome Sen. Eldridge and show him firsthand the impact his efforts have had on our department and ultimately the community,” Chief Anthony Stowers said.
New gear lockers help protect firefighters’ equipment from UV light when not in use, while a new state of the art turnout gear extractor and dryer cleans gear of harmful carcinogens following a fire or other incident.