Press Releases

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) announced that the City of Gardner was awarded $365,000 through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program to purchase new fire-rated radio systems for the Gardner Fire Department. The funding will replace aging portable radios that are beyond their service life and no longer meet modern safety standards.

Portable radios are among the most essential pieces of equipment firefighters carry. In dangerous, fast-moving situations, reliable communication can mean the difference between life and death. These radios allow firefighters to stay connected with one another and with command staff while responding to emergencies and protecting the communities they serve.

“Gardner’s firefighters represent the best of what it means to serve: courage, commitment, and an unwavering dedication to protecting others,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. “Securing this federal investment through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is exactly why I fight to strengthen and expand these initiatives in Congress, because they deliver real results for communities like Gardner. These new, state-of-the-art radios will enhance communication, improve safety, and ensure that our firefighters have the reliable tools they need to do their jobs effectively and return home safely after every call.”

“This grant is another great example of how federal, state, and local partnerships work together to strengthen our communities,” said Mayor Mike Nicholson. “By investing in the safety of our first responders, we’re also investing in the safety of our residents. These new radios will ensure that our firefighters can communicate clearly and effectively during emergencies, helping them protect the people of Gardner while also keeping each other safe.”

“This investment in the Gardner Fire Department is an investment in its firefighters and the whole community,” said Senator Ed Markey. “Communication is key when responding to emergencies, and I was proud to fight for this funding alongside Mayor Nicholson, Chief Lagoy, and our partners at the federal, state, and local level. I will continue to advocate with Senator Warren and Representative Trahan to expand funding for FEMA’s AFG program and other firefighting grant programs so that every department gets the federal support they need.”

“It’s about time we upgrade our firefighters’ 15-year-old communication systems,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren. “Modern equipment is an investment in Gardner families’ safety, so I’m going to keep fighting hard to protect the Assistance to Firefighters Grants and Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Response programs.”

“The Gardner Fire Department currently uses portable radios that are over 15 years old –well beyond their estimated service life, and do not meet current standards,” said Chief Greg Lagoy. “This much-needed funding from the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant program will be used to purchase new P-25 compliant, fire service-rated portable radios.  These new radios are designed to perform under the harsh conditions in burning buildings, including extreme high temperatures and large volumes of water.  Firefighters regularly operate in hazardous atmospheres, and having reliable portable radios are a mission-critical lifeline to ensure their safety. The benefits of this grant funding align with FEMA’s goals of improving firefighter and public safety, enhancing the Gardner Fire Department’s daily operations, and addressing equipment failures and service issues. The project addresses a critical gap in communication equipment, replacing outdated and unreliable technology to meet current safety standards, such as those set by the National Fire Protection Association. Without this award, the GFD would face continued challenges, including potential safety risks from communication failures and escalating maintenance costs for obsolete equipment. This also meaningfully helps to alleviate a significant financial burden on the City.”

“The Assistance To Firefighters Grant will significantly enhance the safety and efficacy of the Gardner Fire Department,” said Councilor Craig Cormier. “The department has encountered challenges with its end-of-life model radios, resulting in a growing number of breakdowns. We are pleased to learn that the grant will enable the department to maintain uninterrupted communication, ensuring the safety of both the firefighters and the individuals they serve.”

“The Gardner Fire Department has consistently demonstrated its commitment to professionalism, preparedness, and public service,” said State Representative Jon Zlotnik. “This grant builds on the City’s ongoing efforts to ensure that our first responders have the modern tools and equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. I’m proud to see continued investment in the safety of both our firefighters and the residents they protect every day.”

Gardner has made substantial investments to strengthen its fire services over the past five years, from securing new self-contained breathing apparatus units and upgrading frontline engines, rescue vehicles, and ambulances, to outfitting firefighters with essential protective gear to ensure they’re ready for back-to-back emergencies. These investments reflect Gardner’s ongoing commitment to providing its firefighters with the tools they need to respond safely and effectively to protect the community.

“By replacing outdated technology with modern, fire-rated radios that meet today’s safety standards, Gardner is continuing its commitment to investing in the safety of both its residents and first responders,” added Mayor Nicholson. “Reliable communication is essential in every emergency, and this investment ensures that the City’s firefighters have the tools they need to serve the community safely and effectively.”

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