Fire Chiefs discuss needs with legislators

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - Fire chiefs from across western Massachusetts were in Holyoke on Friday morning to meet with state and local leaders.

The legislative breakfast gives fire chiefs an opportunity to share recent successes within their departments, but also to talk about some of their financial needs. If funding gaps aren't covered through federal grants, they can turn into a heavy burden for local budgets.

“Cities' budgets are getting tighter and tighter every year, which makes it harder to maintain levels of staffing that are going to keep people safe in our communities,” Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse said.

“A lot of the departments in Western Massachusetts are older communities and the infrastructures are old, the fire stations are old, apparatus is very expensive,” said Retired Chief David LaFond of the Western Massachusetts Fire Chief’s Association.

Fire departments get some relief from a Homeland Security grant, but they do need to re-apply every two years.