The Baker-Polito Administration, through the COVID Command Center and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, is pleased to announce the distribution of KN95 respirator masks to all law enforcement officers and firefighters across the Commonwealth amid the COVID – 19 crisis. In working with the Department of Fire Services and the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, MEMA has compiled the number of police officers and fire fighters based on their surveys and data to help determine community allocations. To get these masks into communities as quickly as possible, MEMA will be employing a regional point of distribution (POD) model where communities can pick up their supply of masks at their designated MEMA POD.
Starting on Friday, April 17th MEMA Regional POD sites across the state will be open to distribute these masks. For a list of POD sites click here These sites will be open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Monday through Friday, and from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturdays. Our hope is that fire and police departments work together for a single community pickup. No need to call in advance to arrange a pickup time and no need to enter anything into WebEOC for these allocations. Please see the following attachment for MEMA Regional POD locations, addresses and driving instructions. Please note specific site information for each MEMA region and county.
The goal for this allocation is to provide each police officer and fire fighter five (5) KN95 masks or equivalent for a 1-month supply. Following conservation methods currently being used by some organizations, this will provide each individual a mask per week and a spare, allowing the mask to dry overnight and reuse for up to one week.
As you are likely aware, there is sterilization facility in Massachusetts. Information will be forthcoming about access to this essential equipment. Until then, please do not discard KN95 or equivalent masks.
Should you have any questions please contact your MEMA Regional Office.
MEMA Region I: 978-328-1500
MEMA Region II: 508-427-0400
MEMA Region III/IV: 413-750-1400