Longmeadow fire department receives $72K grant from federal government

LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP) - One local fire department is getting a boost from the Department of Homeland Security.

Congressman Richard Neal (D-Springfield) announced a $72,000 dollar grant for the Longmeadow Fire Department on Wednesday.

This grant helps firefighters and first responders obtain essential equipment.

The money will be used to buy 5,200 feet of fire hose and new nozzles; technology that helps smaller fire departments.

“Just facilitates departments like ours with very limited manpower, the equipment we need to fight the fires.  Most of this equipment is designed around limited manpower and delivering high volumes of water,” Longmeadow Fire Chief Eric Madison said.

The Longmeadow Fire Department has 22 full-time firefighters on staff.