RUSS ANDERSON
Southwick Fire Chief
SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Fire Department this week received $8,475 in grant funding from the Commonwealth Security Trust Fund that could reduce residents’ insurance costs.
Fire Chief Russ Anderson was notified of the award by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security Office of Grants and Research.
Anderson said he was grateful to receive it and that he had applied for the grant, which will outfit department vehicles with computers.
“This grant will be used to put tablets in apparatus to allow the use of pre arrival instructions and tactical information on properties in town,” Anderson said.
Having this information not only assists responders on a call, but ultimately could save residents money.
“This helps to reduce loss and increase the safety of responders,” Anderson said. “Our goal is to reduce our insurance rating within the town that could reflect on cheaper insurance rates for residents.”
This is the first time the town has received this grant.
Anderson said the department is filling its open fulltime paramedic/firefighter positions and two employees are starting the firefighting academy this week.
“We still need per diems,” noted Anderson.
Anyone interested in a per diem position at Southwick Fire Department should contact Anderson at 413-569-6363 or stop by the station, 15 Depot St., Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
