FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 2025
Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA — The Manchester-by-the-Sea Fire Department is proud to announce that it has been awarded a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This highly competitive program provides funding to help communities increase firefighter staffing levels to meet national standards and enhance emergency response capabilities. Specifically, the Manchester Fire Department can hire four additional full-time firefighters with this award.
“This grant is a major step forward for our department,” said Fire Chief James T. McNeilly. “This will enhance our operational readiness for simultaneous emergencies and position Manchester Fire where it needs to be—now and for the future.”
Once fully staffed, the Fire Department will operate with one officer and four firefighters assigned per shift, always ensuring a minimum staffing level of four personnel. This staffing model improves both firefighter safety and the department’s ability to deliver timely fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services. The added positions will allow the Fire Department to meet national firefighter safety standards, including the ‘two-in, two-out’ rule, which ensures that our firefighters can operate safely and effectively at structure fires while providing immediate rescue capability for those inside.
Senator Bruce Tarr praised the department’s success in securing the grant, stating, “Having appropriate staffing is critical to the safety and effectiveness of a fire department, and being able to add four new firefighters is a significant accomplishment for Chief McNeilly and the Manchester Fire Department. The awarding of this grant reflects leadership and professionalism in defining the need for additional personnel and making a compelling case for that need to be addressed. The Town’s public safety is strengthened because of those efforts.”
Congressman Seth Moulton also recognized the importance of the funding: “Manchester’s firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep our community safe, and they deserve the personnel and the equipment to do that job effectively and safely. I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to secure over $1 million in combined staffing and safety funding for Manchester’s fire department. Together, we are delivering real results that will strengthen local emergency response and keep the people of Manchester-by-the-Sea safe.”
Representative Anne-Margaret Ferrante added, “In communities like ours on Cape Ann, every firefighter counts,” said Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante. “This investment will help ensure that Manchester’s fire department has the staffing and resources needed to meet national standards and respond safely and effectively to any emergency, enhancing public safety in Manchester and across Cape Ann.”
The SAFER Grant Program, administered by FEMA under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, aims to help fire departments nationwide meet staffing, response, and operational standards established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 1710 and 1720). The program provides critical funding to help communities maintain 24-hour staffing and deliver adequate protection from fire and related hazards.
“Investments in public safety reflect the shared commitment between local leadership and federal partners to keep citizens safe,” said Tony Barletta, Town Administrator. “We are grateful for the support of FEMA, Senator Bruce Tarr, Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante, and Congressman Seth Moulton for their continued advocacy of small communities like ours.”
The grant funding will be used exclusively for firefighter salaries and benefits for the first three years, helping the Fire Department maintain compliance with staffing and safety standards.
For more information about the SAFER Grant Program, visit www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters/safer.
Contact:
Fire Chief James T. McNeilly
Manchester-by-the-Sea Fire Department
12 School Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944
Email: firechief@manchester.ma.us
Phone: (978) 526-4040
