By Teddy Tauscher
The Eagle-Tribune
SALEM, N.H. — Local paramedic training will get a $281,636 boost from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding.
The grant was awarded last week and is among $3.6 million from the federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program going to New Hampshire first responders this year, according to FEMA’s website. The program provides funding for municipal departments and other emergency responders for training, gear, vehicles and other resources.
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“We’re extremely appreciative of the continued support Salem has received through the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant program,” Town Manager Joseph Devine said in a comment to The Eagle-Tribune. “Last year’s funding allowed us to purchase gear extractors to properly clean and dry our firefighters’ turnout gear, and this year’s $281,000 award will support paramedic training for our personnel.”
The funding was celebrated in a press release from the state’s congressional delegation.
“When duty calls, our firefighters and first responders are first to bravely jump into action, heading toward danger to keep our communities safe. It is incumbent upon all of us to do everything we can to support these heroes and ensure they have the resources they need,” Democratic U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said.
“While we can never repay their service and sacrifice, I’m proud to do all I can in the Senate to support our firefighters and welcome the release of this critical grant funding that will keep first responders and communities across New Hampshire safe and secure,” she said.
Concord is receiving the most of any of any municipalities in the state at $500,000, for training equipment this year. The town of Hancock received the second most at $428,571, for a water tanker.
“New Hampshire’s firefighters and first responders are being asked to do more and more with less and less year after year. But when the alarm sounds, they show up for us. We have a duty to show up for them,” said U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander , D- Concord said. “Lifesaving CPR devices in Colebrook. Paramedic training in Salem. Portable radios in Weare. Fresh air packs in Littleton, Goshen, Spofford and Hebron. A new tanker in Hancock. This is what it looks like when federal funding goes straight to the people who keep us safe. I’ll never quit fighting for every penny our firefighters and first responders need to keep saving lives.”
In 2025, Salem received $89,427 through the same federal program.
“These grants allow us to make important investments in both our firefighters and the level of emergency service we provide to the community, while reducing the impact on Salem taxpayers. I’m proud of Chief Lemire and his team for continuing to identify and pursue these opportunities for Salem,” Devine said.
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