Finance committee accepts $24,081 firefighter safety equipment grant

The Holyoke City Council finance committee voted to accept a $24,081 FY2025 firefighter safety equipment grant, a no‑match award authorized under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 53A.

The grant will be used to purchase three thermal imaging cameras, eight four‑gas meters and three electric vehicle disconnect plugs, the committee heard. Fire Department leadership described the grant as a final year opportunity for this particular state equipment program and said it will allow the city to replace gear without drawing on local funds. “This is their equipment grant. This will be, I believe, as of now, this is the last year of this grant,” the fire chief said, adding the award will let the department obtain equipment “without having to fund it through the city.”

Committee members moved and seconded acceptance of the grant and approved it by voice vote. There is no local match required. The committee record shows the grant was placed on the agenda under the statutory authority cited in the motion language.

The committee did not record a roll‑call tally in the transcript; the item passed by voice vote. The acceptance allows the department to proceed with procurement under the terms of the state program.