By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• The Boston Fire Department reversed a recent pause and placed a new order for plastic fire hats for children following scrutiny over budget cuts.
• Distribution of the hats had been halted earlier this month as the city froze discretionary spending amid a $48.4 million budget gap.
• The hats are part of the department’s Fire Prevention Education Unit outreach at firehouses and community events.
• City officials and councilors criticized the initial pause in the program, prompting the department to resume ordering the items.
BOSTON, MA — The Boston Fire Department has placed a new order for plastic fire hats for children after temporarily halting distribution due to city budget constraints, officials said.
Fire Department spokesman Brian Alkins said a directive earlier this month paused the distribution of the hats at firehouses and events when the city froze discretionary spending to address a $48.4 million budget gap.
The plastic hats are given to children through the Fire Prevention Education Unit as part of community outreach and fire safety education.
Boston city councilors had criticized the pause in the program, prompting the department to move forward with a new order for the hats, which will soon be available again at firehouses.
Officials said the resumption of the order comes as the department adjusts its spending and planning amid ongoing budget discussions.