WESTFORD CENTER — The Westford Fire Department recently announced that it has received $44,081 through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, in order to upgrade their firefighting equipment.
In a statement released by the fire department on Monday, Oct. 5, firefighters said the funding will be used to replace a fire hose and equipment used to establish water supplies for firefighting operations.
“Thank you to Chief (Mike) Denehy and the members of the department who contributed to the grant application process, whose efforts helped make this possible,” the statement said. “We are grateful for this federal investment in the safety of our firefighters and the community we serve.”
According to the fire department, each engine currently used by the town carries approximately 1,400 feet of 4-inch hose. During a fire, the hose can be laid from a hydrant or other water source to establish a continuous water supply, which creates a temporary water main between the water source and the engines.
The fire department said that while it worked to replace the hose in small quantities through the operating budget and other local grants, many engines continue to carry hoses that are nearly 30 years old. The longer the hose ages, the higher the chance is of the hose jacket deteriorating, with older fittings and adapters potentially creating compatibility issues with newer equipment. A hose failure during a fire can disrupt the water supply and pose a safety risk to firefighters at the scene.
Through the funding provided by the grant, the fire department said all of the 4-inch hose carried by its fire engines can be replaced, providing firefighters with newer and more reliable equipment, while also reducing the cost to the town.
“These investments will directly enhance the operational capabilities of the Westford Fire Department, enabling us to provide safer, more effective service to our residents and visitors, while reducing the financial burden of these essential equipment needs on local taxpayers,” Fire Chief Mike Denehy told The Westford Villager.
The funding comes after a period of financial and staffing challenges for the fire department, including the reduction of two firefighter positions and periodic closures of the Rogers Fire Station. The staffing reductions followed the failure of a proposed tax override, while the department also faced increased overtime costs and staffing pressures.
Additionally, the fire department went nearly two years without a new contract after its previous contract expired in June 2024. The dispute was resolved in May, when firefighters and the town reached a new contract covering fiscal years 2025 through 2027.
