Haverhill Fire Department Received Federal Grant

The city secured over $812,000 to replace critical breathing gear for local firefighters.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Financial Aid

Haverhill Fire Department Received Federal Grant

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The Haverhill Fire Department has been awarded $812,999.14 through the federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. The funding covers the purchase of 75 new SCBA packs, 116 masks, 150 cylinders, and 116 voice amplifiers.

Why it matters

The grant allows Haverhill to replace vital safety equipment nearing its end-of-service life without requiring a local, city-funded capital project. This purchase ensures firefighters remain equipped with modern gear ahead of the expiration of their current units in 2027.

The city received $812,999.14 to procure 75 SCBA packs, 116 masks, 150 cylinders, and 116 voice amplifiers. The department had sought to replace this aging gear for two to three years.

The players

Haverhill Fire Department

This is the municipal agency responsible for fire suppression and emergency response services in Haverhill.

Merchant McIntyre Associates

This is a consulting firm that provides grant-writing assistance to organizations seeking federal and state funding.

The details

The department secured the funding by working with Merchant McIntyre Associates to submit a competitive application. The new equipment will replace existing gear that is slated to reach the end of its mandatory service life by the start of 2027.

The federal grant award was announced on October 12, 2026.
The department expects the arrival of the new equipment in late 2026.
The current SCBA gear reaches its end of service life on January 1, 2027.

Culture Shift

The federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant program supports municipal public safety efforts nationwide, providing critical infrastructure funding that local governments might otherwise struggle to finance independently. This award follows the established pattern of the program providing necessary capital to municipalities to offset the costs of maintaining safety equipment.

By securing this grant, the city avoids a locally funded capital project, preserving municipal budget capacity for other city services. Residents benefit from the assurance that emergency responders are equipped with reliable, modern protective gear.

The takeaway

Proactive grant writing allows municipal departments to modernize life-saving equipment without increasing the burden on local taxpayers. Maintaining up-to-date hardware is essential for ensuring that emergency services continue to operate safely and effectively.