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 East Providence and Middletown Fire Departments will receive over $568,342 in Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) through the Department of Homeland Security. The East Providence Fire Department will receive $380,052 to purchase 2-thermal imaging cameras, 57-personal escape rope packs, and provide a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) Training for all firefighters. The Middletown Fire Department will receive $188,290 to upgrade mobile radios and other communication devices.
“Firefighters put themselves in danger every single day and do outstanding work in our communities. This grant will provide the East Providence and Middletown Fire Departments 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 and necessary training for our fire departments, giving them the tools they need to effectively respond to emergencies.”
“Our firefighters in Middletown and East Providence and across the state put their lives on the line each day to keep our communities safe,” said Congressman Cicilline. “Part of our job is to make sure they have the safety equipment and training to effectively do their work. These upgrades ensure our firefighters have what they need to continue responding to emergencies quickly and safely.”
The East Providence and Middletown Fire Stations were 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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