Sandwich Waiting for Grant Confirmation to Fund Eight Additional Firefighters

SANDWICH – Sandwich could receive a $1.2 million federal grant that would underwrite the hiring of eight additional firefighters for over two years.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is expected to give town officials the official grant confirmation soon.

The eight additional firefighters would provide staffing for the upgraded East Sandwich firehouse on Route 6A.

“It’s a necessity for us and our operation of the department,” said Sandwich Fire Chief William Carrico. “We need to get that building staffed and getting it built is definitely a positive step in moving in the right direction.”

If the Safer Grant does not come, town officials could look to other sources to fund the additional firefighters, but the town could reapply for the grant after the two-year period passes.

Once the award notice is issued to the town, selectmen will have 30 days to review it and accept it or reject it.

“Right now our minimum staffing is at seven, and you can’t safely staff a third station with that scenario, so our only option is to get some additional people,” said Carrico.

By JUSTIN SAUNDERS, CapeCod.com Newscenter