LUDLOW, Vt. – The Ludlow Fire Department is pleased to announce it has been awarded $288,325.95 through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, securing critical funding to improve firefighter safety, emergency communications, and operational readiness.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is a highly competitive federal program that provides financial assistance to fire departments and emergency medical service agencies across the nation. Ludlow submitted its application in June 2026 and received notification of its successful award in late September, with funding approved for all requested equipment and associated expenses.
Of the 10 Vermont agencies receiving awards during this grant cycle, Ludlow received the largest award in the state. The national average award for operations and safety equipment was approximately $189,328, placing Ludlow’s award substantially above the national average.
The total project cost of $288,325.95 includes $274,596.14 in federal funding and a local match of $13,729.81. The local match will be covered through the Town of Ludlow’s established grant-matching fund.
The grant will fund several significant equipment replacement projects, addressing aging and unserviceable equipment while improving firefighter safety and the department’s emergency response capabilities. This includes the following:
– Firefighter protective gear, $60,000: Purchase of 10 new sets of firefighter turnout gear to continue replacing aging and unserviceable personal protective equipment, ensuring firefighters have the protection necessary to safely perform their duties.
– Fire hose replacement, $100,666.48: Replacement of the department’s existing fire hose inventory, much of which is more than 30 years old and has exceeded the department’s recommended replacement timeline. This investment will improve firefighting capabilities, equipment reliability, and operational safety.
– Protective gear washer and dryer, $30,742.52: Purchase of a specialized gear extractor washing machine and dryer to replace the department’s broken and no longer serviceable extractor. This equipment will support the proper cleaning and maintenance of firefighter protective equipment, helping reduce exposure to harmful contaminants and supporting long-term firefighter health.
– Emergency communications equipment, $95,416.95: Purchase of 15 additional portable radios and apparatus communication headsets to strengthen emergency communications, improve incident coordination, and enhance firefighter safety.
The grant also includes $1,500 in eligible costs associated with professional grant-writing assistance utilized during the application process.
Following submission of the grant application, Ludlow Fire Chief Ben Whalen maintained ongoing communication and meetings with the office of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders regarding the department’s equipment needs and long-term public safety priorities.
These efforts were supported by letters submitted on behalf of the department from Sanders, Sen. Peter Welch, and Rep. Becca Balint.
Sanders’ office has also been exploring potential opportunities for future congressionally directed spending to further support the Town of Ludlow and its emergency services.
This award represents a substantial investment in firefighter safety, emergency communications, and the overall operational readiness of the Ludlow Fire Department.
By securing federal funding for these critical equipment needs, the department has significantly reduced the financial burden that would otherwise fall upon local taxpayers while allowing essential equipment replacement projects to move forward.
The Ludlow Fire Department extends its sincere appreciation to Vermont’s congressional delegation for its support, the Town of Ludlow for its continued commitment to public safety, and the community for its ongoing trust and support.
The department remains committed to strengthening emergency services, protecting its personnel, and ensuring that Ludlow is prepared to meet the public safety needs of today and the future.
For more information, please contact Chief Ben Whalen, Ludlow Fire Department and Ambulance, at bwhalen@ludlow.vt.us or 802-952-3942.