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The City of Gardner has been awarded $365,000 through the Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program\u00a0to purchasenew fire-rated radio systems for all 42 members of the Gardner Fire Department. The grant will replace the Department\u2019s 15-year-old portable radios, which are beyond their life expectancy and no longer supported by the manufacturer. Parts for the current models are often unavailable, and the units do not meet modern fire service standards for heat and water resistance.<\/p>\n
Mayor Michael J. Nicholson\u00a0expressed his gratitude for the support of federal partners and the continued investment in Gardner\u2019s public safety infrastructure.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis grant is another great example of how federal, state, and local partnerships work together to strengthen our communities,\u201d said Mayor Mike Nicholson. \u201cBy investing in the safety of our first responders, we\u2019re also investing in the safety of our residents. These new radios will ensure that our firefighters can communicate clearly and effectively during emergencies, helping them protect the people of Gardner while also keeping each other safe.\u201d<\/p>\n
Portable radios are among the most critical pieces of safety equipment for firefighters. They provide a vital communication link during emergencies\u2014especially when operating in immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) environments\u2014ensuring that firefighters can stay connected toeach other and to command staff while working to protect residents.<\/p>\n
\u201cGardner\u2019s firefighters represent the best of what it means to serve: courage, commitment, and an unwavering dedication to protecting others,\u201d said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. \u201cSecuring this federal investment through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is exactly why I fight to strengthen and expand these initiatives in Congress, because they deliver real results for communities like Gardner. These new, state-of-the-art radios will enhance communication, improve safety, and ensure that our firefighters have the reliable tools they need to do their jobs effectively and return home safely after every call.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis investment in the Gardner Fire Department is an investment in its firefighters and the whole community,\u201d said US Senator Edward J. Markey. \u201cCommunication is key when responding to emergencies, and I was proud to fight for this funding alongside Mayor Nicholson, Chief Lagoy, and our partners at the federal, state, and local level. I will continue toadvocate with Senator Warren and Representative Trahan to expand funding for FEMA\u2019s AFG program and other firefighting grant programs so that every department gets the federal support they need.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s about time we upgrade our firefighters\u2019 15-year-old communication systems,\u201d said US Senator Elizabeth Warren. \u201cModern equipment is an investment in Gardner families\u2019 safety, so I\u2019m going to keep fighting hard toprotect the Assistance to Firefighters Grants and Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Response programs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gardner Fire Chief Greg Lagoy\u00a0emphasized how essential clear communication is in emergency situations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Gardner Fire Department currently uses portable radios that are over 15 years old \u2013well beyond their estimated service life, and do not meet current standards,\u201d said Chief Greg Lagoy. \u201cThis much-needed funding from the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant program will be used topurchase new P-25 compliant, fire service-rated portable radios.\u00a0 These new radios are designed to perform under the harsh conditions in burning buildings, including extreme high temperatures and large volumes of water.\u00a0 Firefighters regularly operate in hazardous atmospheres, and having reliable portable radios are a mission-critical lifeline to ensure their safety. The benefits of this grant funding align with FEMA\u2019s goals of improving firefighter and public safety, enhancing the Gardner Fire Department\u2019s daily operations, and addressing equipment failures and service issues. The project addresses a critical gap in communication equipment, replacing outdated and unreliable technology to meet current safety standards, such as those set by the National Fire Protection Association. Without this award, the GFD would face continued challenges, including potential safety risks from communication failures and escalating maintenance costs for obsolete equipment. This also meaningfully helps to alleviate a significant financial burden on the City.\u201d<\/p>\n
City Councilor Craig Cormier, who chairs the City Council\u2019s Public Safety Committee also expressed their appreciation for the continued investments in public safety.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Assistance To Firefighters Grant will significantly enhance the safety and efficacy of the Gardner Fire Department,\u201d said Councilor Craig Cormier. \u201cThe department has encountered challenges with its end-of-life model radios, resulting in a growing number of breakdowns. We are pleased to learn that the grant will enable the department to maintain uninterrupted communication, ensuring the safety of both the firefighters and the individuals they serve.\u201d<\/p>\n
State Representative Jon Zlotnik\u00a0praised the City\u2019s ongoing efforts tomodernize its public safety infrastructure and support its first responders.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Gardner Fire Department has consistently demonstrated its commitment to professionalism, preparedness, and public service,\u201d said State Representative Jon Zlotnik. \u201cThis grant builds on the City\u2019s ongoing efforts to ensure that our first responders have the modern tools and equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. I\u2019m proud tosee continued investment in the safety of both our firefighters and the residents they protect every day.\u201d<\/p>\n
Over the last five years, the City of Gardner has made significant investments in the Fire Department, including the purchase of new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units for all firefighters, two newengine trucks, a new heavy rescue vehicle, a new ambulance, and the necessary equipment to outfit each of these vehicles. Additionally, the City purchased new EMS protective jackets for all firefighters responding to ambulance calls and provided each firefighter with a second set of turnout gear to ensure readiness and safety during back-to-back responses. The City has also recently ordered a new ladder truck set tobegin construction in 2027 and a new backup ambulance expected toarrive in early 2026.<\/p>\n
These collective efforts continue to strengthen the Gardner Fire Department\u2019s ability to protect the community with the highest level of service, safety, and professionalism.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy replacing outdated technology with modern, fire-rated radios that meet today\u2019s safety standards, Gardner is continuing its commitment toinvesting in the safety of both its residents and first responders,\u201d added Mayor Nicholson. \u201cReliable communication is essential in every emergency, and this investment ensures that the City\u2019s firefighters have the tools they need to serve the community safely and effectively.\u201d<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The City of Gardner has been awarded $365,000 through the Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program\u00a0to purchasenew fire-rated radio systems for all 42 members of the Gardner Fire Department. The grant will replace the Department\u2019s 15-year-old portable radios, which are beyond their life expectancy and no longer supported by the manufacturer. Parts for the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23556","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-member-news"],"yoast_head":"\n