By Jonah Frangiosa
The Eagle-Tribune
HAVERHILL, Mass. — The airpacks and masks firefighters rely on inside burning buildings are nearing the end of their service life, but the orders are in to replace them after a federal grant of more than $800,000.
Haverhill Fire Chief Christopher Cesati spoke further after last week’s announcement that the city was awarded $812,999.14 through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. The funding has allowed the department to buy new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) systems, with the existing equipment near the end of its use.
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By the start of 2027, the department’s current SCBA gear would have aged out, Cesati said, with them searching for a replacement for the past two to three years. He added that the recently awarded federal grant will allow the firefighters to finally make the upgrade without having to rely on a major city-funded capital project. The AFG money has led to “big savings” for taxpayers, Cesati said.
Haverhill Fire Department has already put in an order for 75 new Scott SCBA packs, 116 masks and 150 cylinders — two cylinders assigned to each pack, 116 new voice amplifiers and additional equipment.
The gear will replace the aging air packs and cylinders and provide firefighters with updated respiratory protection when working in fires, hazardous-material incidents and other dangerous environments.
“This award represents a tremendous investment in the safety and readiness of the Haverhill Fire Department,” Cesati said. “Replacing our aging air packs and cylinders with new Scott SCBA equipment will provide our firefighters with the equipment they need to safely perform their jobs in some of the most dangerous conditions they may encounter.”
Scott systems are designed to be more ergonomic and durable, he said, with the improved design expected to reduce fatigue in firefighters. The department expects to have the new equipment at the station within the next few months.
“Investing in the safety of our firefighters is an investment in the safety of our entire community,” Mayor Melinda Barrett said.
“This grant will provide the Haverhill Fire Department with critical equipment while helping the city responsibly manage taxpayer resources. We are grateful for the work that went into securing the award.”
Cesati credited Deputy Fire Chief Richard Shellene, the department’s grant team and Merchant McIntyre Associates, which assisted the city with its grant-writing program and helping prepare and submit the successful application.
While the SCBA replacement handles one major improvement, Cesati said there are other areas in need of improvement. Next on the list would be communications equipment, with new radios as a priority.
“Radios are the next big venture,” he said. “Then, a new tanker further down the line.”
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