Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree Announces Town of Saugus Awarded $885K FEMA Grant to Hire Five New Firefighters

(Saugus, MA) September 17, 2019 – Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree is pleased to announce that the Town of Saugus has been awarded a $884,883 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA)’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program to fund the hire and training of five new firefighters.

This federal grant award, which was announced by Congressman Seth Moulton’s office on Friday, September 13, will increase firefighter safety and assist the Saugus Fire Department in better serving and protecting the residents of Saugus by funding the benefits and salaries of five new firefighters for three years.

This is the second time under the Crabtree administration that the Town of Saugus has applied for and been awarded SAFER Grant funding to hire new firefighters. In 2013, the Town identified and applied for assistance to hire additional firefighters. The Town was awarded $1,222,760 to hire eight new firefighters and to fund benefits and salaries for three years. Town Manager Crabtree has maintained and increased those staffing levels since the grant was first awarded in 2013.

“Public safety has always been a top priority for this administration, and FEMA’s SAFER Grant will further support that goal by securing additional staffing and continuing to prioritize the safety and security of our first responders, and residents and visitors of Saugus,” said Town Manager Crabtree. “This is a tremendous opportunity and savings for the taxpayers of Saugus. The Town will continue to identify public safety needs as we dedicate additional resources to further address the increasing demands of the community.”

The SAFER Grant Program was created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase or maintain the number of trained, "front line" firefighters available in their communities. The goal of SAFER is to enhance the local fire departments' abilities to comply with staffing, response and operational standards established by the National Fire Protection Association.

“I would like to thank Congressman Moulton and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for their support and investment in the Town of Saugus and its residents, and for their advocacy of public safety and first responders,” said Town Manager Crabtree. “I would also like to commend Fire Chief Newbury and the Saugus Fire Department for recognizing the importance of this grant opportunity and pursuing this important initiative.”

“Maintaining adequate staffing is absolutely critical for first responders. We are thrilled to receive funds that will allow us to increase firefighter presence and response times, and continue to protect our residents during emergency situations,” said Fire Chief Michael Newbury. “I extend my deepest gratitude to Town Manager Crabtree for his leadership in prioritizing these important grant initiatives, and I would like to thank Congressman Moulton and FEMA for recognizing and delivering on the Town of Saugus’ staffing needs.”

For more information on the project, contact the Town Manager’s office at 781-231-4111.

About The Town of Saugus

The Town of Saugus, Massachusetts, is a family-friendly, historic neighborhood Town located along the north shore, ten miles north of Boston. First settled in 1629, Saugus is home to historic sites, top-tier public services, and a thriving business community. Strong community support, a forward-thinking approach to town government, rich recreational opportunities, affordable choices, and easy access to all the amenities that Boston has to offer – they all contribute to make Saugus a Town where businesses flourish and families make their home.

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