A nice LTTE thanking JK and a couple other MA pols

National legislators care about small town needs


To the editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Sen. John Kerry, U.S. Rep. James McGovern and his administrative assistant, Lisa Nelson.

When I took the position of chief of the Plainville Fire Department, I was faced with multiple equipment issues. Due to significant budget issues, it became clear that alternative sources of funding were going to be necessary.

My research led me to the FEMA grant program and specifically the Assistance to Firefighters Equipment Grant. The purpose of this federal grant is to provide needed equipment to help better protect firefighters in the performance of their duties.

Plainville had never been the recipient of this grant and was in critical need of breathing apparatus, as our air packs were outdated and not interoperable with the surrounding communities.

(snip)

I am proud to say that with Sen. Kerry, Congressman McGovern, and Lisa Nelson’s assistance, the Plainville Fire Department was awarded $140,000 for the purchase of Air Packs and a Compressor system.

Too many times, we find fault with our politicians. I would like to say that these gentlemen and Ms. Nelson took the time to ensure that the residents and visitors of Plainville are better protected because they sought to provide needed assistance to the Plainville Fire Department.

Theodore R. Joubert
Plainville

THIS WRITER is chief of the Plainville Fire Department