Winchendon just got $220K from the state. Here's where it will be spent

WINCHENDON — Town officials will purchase new, environmentally friendly equipment thanks to nearly $220,000 in state grant funds announced on Jan. 12.

The fire department will receive $175,904 toward the purchase of a new fire pumping truck to replace an older model acquired in 1996, and the Department of Public Works has been awarded $43,934 toward the purchase of a new front-end loader to replace its current Volvo loader.

Both the fire engine and the front-end loader are from a time period when diesel emissions were considered less of a problem, according to officials.

Fire Chief Thomas Smith said the purchase of new equipment represents a new era for the town.

“Our reliance on older vehicles put the department at a deficit, posing a risk to our team and the public,” he said. “To replace the (old) truck will give us a much more reliable piece of equipment that not only can we rely on to respond with, but we can rely on to reduce our environmental impact, which is a goal of everyone involved. With the support of Town Manager Justin Sultzbach, this grant will serve to improve both departments’ performances and protect the town’s firefighters and DPW workers.”

Smith estimated that the grant award will help to defray the cost of the new engine by 25 to 30 percent.

“We currently have a 1997 loader that’s in need of replacement (because) we are not able to secure parts,” said DPW Director Brian Croteau. “We bought a gas pedal last year and it was the last one (available) in the country at that point. Parts are very difficult to come by with the supply-chain shortages and shipping delays.”

The grant award will fund a portion of the estimated $180,000 necessary to purchase a new loader, he said.

“It’s not all the money, but it’s money that the taxpayers don’t have to pay, and anything is better than nothing — and in this case, it’s nice to be able to get something from the state and put it to a use that’s going to benefit the citizens,” Croteau said.

The funds were awarded to the town via the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act program, which is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

State Rep. Jon Zlotnik, D-Gardner, applauded the announcement and said the town’s officials have managed to provide quality services to residents despite using antiquated equipment.

“Chief Smith has been innovative in his efforts to maintain the vehicle and keep it in service,” Zlotnik said. “With these funds, a more appropriate truck can be brought online to respond to the needs of the community.”

State Sen. Anne Gobi, D-Spencer, congratulated the town on the announcement of the awards, calling them “well deserved.”

“Chief Smith and his team have been doing their best to keep an outdated fire truck in service, and Director Croteau has been struggling to even find parts for the 1997 Volvo loader,” Gobi said. “(This) grant will enable Winchendon to have a cleaner, safer fleet of fire apparatus while the front-end loader will do the same for the DPW.”

This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Winchendon Fire Department, DPW get grant funds for new equipment