By Stephen Hagan
Gloucester Daily Times
MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA, Mass. — The hiring of four new full-time firefighters by town next year will be funded by a federal grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program provides funding to help communities help communities increase firefighter staffing levels to meet national standards and enhance emergency response capabilities.
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“This grant is a major step forward for our department,” Fire Chief James “Jake” McNeilly said. “This will enhance our operational readiness for simultaneous emergencies and position Manchester-by-the-Sea Fire where it needs to be — now and for the future.”
The firefighters are slated to be hired in March 2026. The grant funding will be used exclusively for firefighter salaries and benefits for three years, covering 75% in years one and two, and 35% in year three, McNeilly told the Select Board at a recent meeting.
Once fully staffed, the Fire Department will operate with one officer and four firefighters per shift — ensuring a minimum staffing level of four personnel at a time. McNeilly said the staffing model improves firefighter safety and the department’s ability to deliver timely fire suppression, rescue efforts and emergency medical services.
The new staff also will permit the Fire Department to meet national firefighter standards, employing the practice of “two-in, two-out,” which ensures that firefighters can operate safely and effectively at structure fires while providing immediate rescue capability for those inside, he said.
State Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R- Gloucester, said the grant money will ensure the safety and effectiveness of the Manchester Fire Department.
“The awarding of this grant reflects leadership and professionalism in defining the need for additional personnel and making a compelling case for that need to be addressed,” he said. “The town’s public safety is strengthened because of those efforts.”
Manchester firefighters put their lives on the line every day and they deserve the personnel and equipment needed to do the job effectively and safely, U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, D- D-Salem, said.
“I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to secure over $1 million in combined staffing and safety funds for Manchester’s Fire Department,” he said. “Together, we are delivering real results that will strengthen local emergency response and keep the people of Manchester-by-the-Sea safe.”
State Rep. Anne-Margaret Ferrante, D- D-Gloucester, said “every firefighter counts” on Cape Ann.
“This investment will help ensure that Manchester’s Fire Department has the staffing and resources needed to meet national standards and respond safely and effectively to any emergency, enhancing public safety in Manchester and across Cape Ann,” she said.
The SAFER grant program aims to help fire departments nationwide meet staffing response needs and operational standards which are established by the National Fire Protection Association.
“Investments in public safety reflect the shared commitment between local leadership and federal partners to keep citizens safe,” Town Administrator Tony Barletta said. “We are grateful for the support of FEMA, Sen. Bruce Tarr, Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante and Congressman Seth Moulton for their continued advocacy of small communities like ours.”
Additional information about the SAFER grant program may be found at www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters/safer.
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