Methuen Firefighters Receive New Gear with Federal Grant

Methuen Fire Chief Tim Sheehy, right, receives an award last March from Valley Patriot Publisher Tom Diggan. (Cindy Driver file photograph for WHAV News.)

The Methuen Fire Department has been awarded more than $225,000 through the federal Assistance to Firefighter Grants program.

Firefighters will use the $225,655 to purchase updated safety equipment, including 33 new breathing apparatus and 60 face pieces. Assistance to Firefighter Grants program is one of two major federal programs for supporting staff, buying equipment and providing adequate training.

“The Methuen Fire Department is grateful for this opportunity to replace and upgrade this critical piece of firefighting equipment,” said Fire Chief Tim Sheehy, adding, “We are also grateful for the support of Congresswoman (Niki) Tsongas and Sen. (Elizabeth) Warren and for all that they do for the health and safety of all firefighters across the Commonwealth.

Money came from a competitive grant process, said Tsongas. “Given the constraints on state and local budgets, competitive grant funds such as these help to maintain public safety in our communities and provide first responders with access to the resources they need to save lives,” she said.

“The self-contained breathing apparatus is a key part of the department’s rescue capabilities,” said Methuen Mayor Stephen N. Zanni.