iBerkshires Staff Report
12:25AM / Monday, August 31, 2015

ADAMS, Mass. — The Fire Department should have a new ladder truck next year thanks to a $809,524 federal grant.
 
The Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded the money to buy through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. 
 
"The Adams Fire Department is thrilled that we have received this amazing grant award," Fire Chief Paul Goyette said. "The upgrade to our fleet, will allow us to continue to provide protection of life and property in the town of Adams."
 
The grant was written by Assistant Chief David Lennon and the money will be used to replace the department's 1987 ladder truck.
 
"Our firefighters work tirelessly to keep our families safe, and it's up to us to make sure they have the equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively," U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren said in a statement on Friday. "Chief [Paul] Goyette and the Adams Fire Department deserve credit for their efforts to get this grant and for their work protecting the community day in and day out."
 
Warren's office announced the award along with U.S. Sen. Edward Markey and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal. 
 
"Thanks to this important funding, the Adams Fire Department will be able to reach even higher in their efforts to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies," Markey wrote. "These first responders are on the front lines everyday, and we need to make sure they have the tools they need to do their jobs as best they can. I commend Chief Goyette and the entire Adams Fire Department for their efforts securing this funding that will help keep our neighborhoods safe and more secure."
 
The grant program is designed to help local fire departments purchase needed to protect the firefighters from hazards.
 
Adams is a volunteer fire department. Smaller towns tend to have difficulty funding the purchase of new trucks. Both North Adams and Cheshire received grants last to purchase new engines.
 
"The brave men and women of the Adams Fire Department put their lives at risk each day keeping their town safe. That is why I believe they deserve the resources necessary to do their jobs professionally and effectively. This federal grant will help them purchase a new ladder truck which will continue to keep the community safe from fire hazards. It's great news for the town of Adams," Neal wrote.
 
Goyette said it will take about a year to build a new truck. The department will research vendors before selecting one to place an order.

The Adams Fire District is pleased to announce the launching of our new district website. We aim to offer visitors a convenient method of accessing important district information, reminders and current news.