Western MAChiefs Meet with Legislators

The Western Massachusetts Fire Chiefs Association recently host ed its annual legislative breakfast at Holyoke’s Delany House. This program had previously been an annual event priorto Covid, and was the first time since Covid chiefs were able to get together with local senators, state representatives, local select boards and mayors to discuss issues facing the fire service. Topics this yearincl uded pending bills forfire station construction and renovations, a tremendous need forthe Western Masachusetts area. Othertopics included local sprinklerbill options and building code issues f acing fire prevention goals. Examples with the benefits of the Department of Fire Services “Equipment Grant,” a grant that has allowed local departments to fulfill critical equipment needs. Otherissues in cluded ambulance billing practices and its impact on local communities, and EMS and its effectiveness underthe Department of Public Health. This annual event allows state and local officials a fantastic opportunity to get togetherand discuss issues and thank them for theirsupport.

- Submitted by Chief Anderson (ret.)