The Rindge Fire Department has received $11,000 in federal grants aimed at responding the the COVID-19 public health emergency.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, announced that 340 fire departments across the nation will be getting a total of $7.8 million in direct assistance to respond to the public health crisis. Along with Rindge, nine other New Hampshire communities have also received funding, including Keene, Lebanon, Canaan, Conway, Tilton, Raymond, Stratham, Plaistow and Weare.
The funds, part of a supplemental package to the yearly Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, which assists fire department with funding for equipment and training, is aimed at providing fire departments with critical personal protective equipment and supplies needed to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19.
Fire Chief Rickard Donovan said in an interview Monday that while the department is currently well-stocked on personal protective equipment such as masks, face shields, goggles and gowns, the funds will go to shoring up those supplies to prepare for the possibility of a large surge of infections.
“During the initial phase of COVID, we scrambled to make sure people had the gear and the equipment they needed,” Donovan said. “This is in case there’s a sudden surge.”
Donovan said the Rindge Fire Department has an active crew of about 25 firefighters, and the funds will ensure a supply of about 1,000 pieces of protective equipment.
The Select Board is anticipated to accept the grant during its upcoming meeting on Aug. 26.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.