Washington, DC – In an effort to enhance Rhode Island’s emergency response preparedness, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representative David Cicilline today announced that the Woonsocket Fire Department will receive $133,560 in federal funds to purchase new equipment and upgrade facilities. The funds, awarded as part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants program, will be used to buy eight new headsets, and pay for training programs to ensure their drivers and operators have the qualifications they need to meet National Fire Protection Association standards. The funding will also be used to install a new Source Capture Exhaust System, which will help ensure the safety of our firefighters by capturing dangerous fumes.
“Firefighters put themselves in danger every single day and do outstanding work in our communities. This grant will provide the Woonsocket Fire Department with new equipment and support training that will help protect our firefighters and ensure that they are as prepared as possible when duty calls,” said Senator Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee which allocates funding to programs like AFG.
“Our firefighters are the first line of protection for our lives and our property, often taking risks to protect us and keep our families and neighborhoods safe,” said Senator Whitehouse. “These grants will provide much-needed equipment upgrades for the Woonsocket Fire Department, giving them the tools they need to effectively respond to emergencies.”
Congressman Cicilline said, “First responders like the firefighters at the Woonsocket Fire Department put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe. We owe it to them to make sure they have the most up-to-date equipment and training so that they can quickly respond to emergencies and stay safe doing it.”
Woonsocket was selected through a competitive peer review process based on the need to enhance response capabilities and protect communities from fire-related hazards.
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