Just south of central New Hampshire, the 2,377-population town of New Hampton is proof that any fire department of any size can win grants.
In Round 4 FY 2022 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) awards, New Hampton FD received a fire grant of $42,914. This AFG federal funding will fund 10 complete sets of turnout gear, including:
- Turnout boots
- Turnout pants
- Turnout coats
- Fire helmets
- Hoods
- Gloves
These new pieces replace outdated and obsolete structural turnout gear.
On August 9, 2023, United States Congresswoman Ann McLane Kuster (New Hampshire 2nd District), Fire Chief Scott Cathy, and First Responder Grants Consultant Greg Bavis joined department personnel and town citizens to celebrate the award and acknowledge the department’s work protecting the New Hampton community.
As the group gathered, they also got a reminder of how important fire grants such as AFG are. Ten minutes before the meeting started, an emergency call came through, and Fire Chief Scott Cathy left to respond.
New Hampton FD now shift to procuring the new turnout gear and putting it into service as soon as possible to answer the new call.
Image: New Hampton Fire Department. Shown, left to right, at the New Hampton FD: MJ Howe Town of New Hampton Fire Department Administrative Assistant, Greg Bavis of First Responder Grants, Retired Fire Chief and Town of New Hampton Selectman Chair Mike Drake, United States Congresswoman Ann McLane Kuster, New Hampton Town Finance Director Wendy Duggan, and probationary firefighter Dan Boynton.