BOXFORD – The Town of Boxford is pleased to announce that the Boxford Fire Department has been awarded a $260,639 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This funding will be utilized over the next four years to support the recruitment and retention of call firefighters, a critical component of Boxford’s emergency response system.
The SAFER grant will enable the department to recruit 16 new call firefighters by covering the costs of EMT training, turnout gear, and basic fire department training. This funding addresses a significant need, as 12 of the department’s current call firefighters will reach the mandatory retirement age within the next few years.
“The Fire Department is pleased to receive a SAFER grant to help strengthen our call fire department roster,” said Fire Chief Brian Geiger. “Our department operates as a combination workforce of five career firefighters and 37 call firefighters, and we rely heavily on our residents to join the call department to respond to various emergencies throughout Boxford. In the next few years, we will lose 12 of our current call firefighters due to the mandatory retirement age, which creates a significant gap in our staffing. The SAFER grant provides the resources we need to recruit and train new members, covering the costs of EMT school, turnout gear, and other essential training. These new members will allow us to continue providing professional, reliable service to our residents.”
The grant funds will support:
- EMT Training: A state-approved 120-hour course leading to certification for new recruits.
- Department Training: A 70-hour introductory fire department training program.
- Personal Protective Equipment: A full set of structural firefighting gear, including helmets, jackets, pants, gloves, boots, and SCBA masks.
Town Administrator Matt Coogan expressed his gratitude for this federal support: “We are incredibly grateful for the SAFER grant and for the continued support from our federal partners, including Congressman Moulton’s office. This funding will ensure that Boxford can maintain a strong and capable fire department that is ready to respond when our community needs it most.”
The Boxford Fire Department operates as a combination workforce, with five career firefighters and 37 call firefighters across its two stations. Call firefighters provide essential coverage for emergencies, responding to over 1,000 calls annually. As Boxford continues to experience growth, including new residential development and increasing call volumes, maintaining a robust roster of trained personnel is critical to public safety.
The SAFER program is designed to enhance staffing and deployment capabilities, helping fire departments nationwide meet operational standards and reduce response times. For more information about SAFER grants, visit FEMA’s website (https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters/safer).
Residents interested in joining the Boxford Fire Department, or for additional information on the department, visit the Department website: https://www.boxfordma.gov/176/Fire-Rescue-EMS. ♦
