Malden Community Leader Neal Anderson named 2025 Black Excellence Award Honoree

BOSTON (March 4, 2025) – State Representative Steven Ultrino (D-Malden) and his office celebrate Neal Anderson as he is named to the Massachusetts Black and Latino Caucus’s (MBLLC) Black Excellence on the Hill Class of 2025. Every year the MBLLC honors black leaders who strive to make a difference and improve the lives of others within their community. This year, the Class of 2025 Black Excellence Honorees comprises more than 100 men and women from across the state, leaders in industry, business, nonprofit, advocacy, and more. These Black Excellence Honorees dedicate their time and efforts to create lasting impacts on the lives of so many in our communities.  

Born and raised in Malden, Neal Anderson has dedicated his whole life and career to public service and helping underserved communities. Neal served as Malden Ward 7 City Councilor for 14 terms or 28 years and played a pivotal role in shaping his community into what it is today. Neal first ran for Malden Ward 7 City Councilor in 1983 and ran his campaign on his belief “There is a role for people of color in shaping the regulations and shaping the ordinances, and rules, and laws.” Prior to serving as City Councilor, Neal served in the United States Navy during the civil rights movement. His experiences, lessons, and encounters with injustice and poverty during his time in the Navy was carried with him back to Malden and inspired a career in human services. Neal is known for his promotion of civic engagement and serving the community with his family on his side, from campaigning to the annual Fourth of July celebration, community engagement was a family affair. Throughout Neal’s time as Ward 7 City Councilor, he has championed initiatives for civic engagement, the arts, energy efficiency and sustainability, and many more. Neal Anderson’s character, love of service, and dedication to his community are a shining example to all of what a life devotion to caring for others look like.” 

“I'm honored to nominate Neal Anderson as a 2025 Black Excellence Honoree,” said Representative Steve Ultrino. “For over twenty-eight years, Neal has been a tireless advocate for the residents of Malden. This recognition is a testament to the hard work, determination, and love Neal pours into his community. From his years of public service and leadership in Malden, Neal embodies the very essence of excellence and service.”  

“As a dedicated leader, Neal Anderson embodies the spirit of service, advocacy, and honor that the Black Excellence Award represents,” said State Representative Paul Donato. “From his time serving in the Navy during the Civil Rights Movement to his impressive tenure as a Malden City Councilor, Neal has consistently shown his deep commitment to public service and social equity. His leadership has made a long-lasting impact on our community, and we are forever grateful. I congratulate Neal on this well-deserved nomination for this award and recognize his invaluable contributions to Malden and the Commonwealth.” 

“I’m humbled and grateful for this acknowledgment by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus,” said Neal Anderson. “It had been the privilege of my lifetime to serve the community for these many years and to be recognized along with others for what we have done to try to improve the lives and wellbeing of our communities” 

The MBLLC celebrated its 2025 Black Excellence on the Hill on Friday, February 28th at the Massachusetts Statehouse in the Great Hall of Flags. For additional information regarding this event, visit the MBLLC website. 

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Press Contact:

Hannah Li

Office of State Representative Steve Ultrino

Hannah.Li@MAHouse.gov

Representative Steven Ultrino Appointed as Chair of the Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management

BOSTON (March 3, 2025) – Last Wednesday, House Speaker Ron Mariano (D – Quincy) appointed State Representative Steven Ultrino (D – Malden) as the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management for the 194th General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Representative Estela Reyes (D – Lawrence) will join the committee as the newly appointed Vice Chair. The Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management presides over all legislation related to pandemic and disaster preparedness and emergency management and communication.  

The Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management serves as an oversight and advisory committee to monitor and investigate issues related to emergency response and recovery. The committee makes recommendations for legislative actions, strategies, and innovations based on their review or information or on the findings of investigations to equitably address emergency response needs and the safe recovery for all residents of the Commonwealth.  

As House Chair, Representative Ultrino will work to strengthen the state’s emergency response systems to ensure that the Commonwealth is prepared to face any challenges that may arise. Representative Ultrino will support efforts that ensure emergency services are equipped to respond effectively and efficiently when needed, as well as advocating for resources that will help bolster the state’s preparedness capabilities. He is dedicated to fostering collaboration among legislators, local agencies, and community organizations to improve collective emergency preparedness. Ensuring that all residents have access to the information and resources needed in times of crisis will remain a priority.  

“I am honored to be appointed as Chair of the Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management. Thank you to Speaker Ron Mariano for this opportunity to work on crucial legislation to strengthen our Commonwealth’s emergency response systems,” said State Representative Steven Ultrino “This position is one that comes with a great sense of responsibility, and I am committed to ensuring that our state is better equipped to respond to any emergency, whether it be a natural disaster, public health crisis, or other unforeseen events. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues, experts in the field, and the communities we serve to develop comprehensive solutions to the challenges we face in emergency preparedness and management.” 

Please contact the Office of Representative Steven Ultrino at (617)722-2070, or email Representative Ultrino (Steven.Ultrino@MAHouse.gov) or his legislative aide Hannah Li (Hannah.Li@MAHouse.gov) with any further questions.  

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Press Contact:

Hannah Li

Office of State Representative Steve Ultrino

Hannah.Li@MAHouse.gov

Malden Delegation Announces $35,000 State Grant to Purchase Safety Equipment for the Malden Fire Department

BOSTON (February 5, 2025) —State Senator Jason Lewis and State Representatives Paul Donato, Steve Ultrino, and Kate Lipper-Garabedian are pleased to announce that the Malden Fire Department will be receiving a $35,000 state grant to purchase new safety equipment to protect their firefighters through the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program.

Fire departments across Massachusetts are able to utilize this program to purchase a wide variety of eligible equipment, including thermal and ballistic protective clothing, thermal imaging cameras, assorted hand tools and extrication equipment, communications resources, hazardous gas meters, and much more.

“Our brave firefighters risk health hazards posed by smoke and other fire byproducts to protect our lives and property,” said State Senator Jason Lewis. “We owe it to them to ensure that they have all necessary safety equipment, and this grant will help do so.”

“Congratulations to the Malden Fire Department for being awarded a state grant to purchase new safety equipment,” said State Representative Paul Donato. “This funding will ensure our first responders have the best tools to protect themselves and our community. Thank you to all of our brave firefighters for their commitment to keeping Malden safe.”

“This investment will provide our firefighters with the tools they need to respond to emergencies with greater protection and efficiency,” said State Representative Steven Ultrino. “This funding is a vital step in ensuring the safety and well-being of both our first responders and the community they serve.”

“I am pleased to see both Malden and Wakefield Fire Departments receive this competitive state grant for safety gear,” said State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian. “This grant funding will enable fire departments to purchase a variety of equipment that will make firefighters’ jobs safer through things such as protective gear, radios, and rescue equipment. This program serves as a comprehensive approach to mitigating modern firefighter health and safety risks.”

“With this grant we will be able to outfit our Malden Firefighters with bail out bags and belts. These bail out bags and belts will help firefighters escape an unforeseen catastrophe on an upper floor of any building. They basically give firefighters an emergency exit out a window on upper floors. They will be a valuable addition,” said Malden Fire Chief Stephen J. Froio. “Other purchases include chainsaws for ventilation and scene lighting for night operations. All of this equipment will be valuable for firefighter safety in many incidents. Again, thank you for the grant funding, without it we would not be able to purchase this life saving equipment.”

The Firefighter Safety Grant Program is funded by the Massachusetts Legislature.

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Press Contact:

Hannah Li

Office of State Representative Steve Ultrino

Hannah.Li@MAHouse.gov