Published: 8/24/2020 1:45:30 PM
As the Sept. 1 primary draws near, I want to share my perspective on what Congressman Richie Neal means for the hilltowns.
As readers of the Gazette’s local news reporting may know, I retired last year after serving as Cummington’s fire chief for nearly 40 years. It’s no secret rural volunteer firefighters have a tough job — but nevertheless, we are as capable and hardworking as any department in the state. Congressman Neal helps with that. He has worked tirelessly to bring funding to our communities through the Federal Fire Act Grant program, to make sure our firefighters are well-equipped and our towns are safer.
Congressman Neal has secured hundreds of thousands of dollars for our rural fire departments in Cummington, Worthington, Williamsburg, Westhampton and other hilltown communities. For rural fire departments, this money is make or break. It goes to buying new breathing apparatus, new fire hoses and even new trucks.
Congressman Neal consistently delivers for the hilltowns, and we are better equipped, better prepared and safer for it.
Bernard Forgea
Cummington