Federal grant to help restore fire staffing

The Fire Department will soon be fully staffed again with the help of a $12.2 million federal grant. Senator John F. Kerry and Mayor Scott W. Lang said Monday that the two-year Homeland Security grant will be used to hire 45 firefighters, including some who were laid off two years ago because of budget cuts. Lang said he expects the department to be fully staffed by summer. Fire Chief Michael Gomes told The Standard Times that the new firefighters will give the department 10 fully staffed companies and will bring stability to the department and peace of mind to the city. The grant covers salaries and benefits, but not overtime.