WASHINGTON, D.C. – In an effort to boost public safety and ensure Rhode Island firefighters have the equipment and training needed to stay safe while responding to emergencies, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman Seth Magaziner today announced $728,919 to help firefighters in Lincoln, Narragansett, and Woonsocket purchase new equipment and implement new training programs.
The federal funds are being awarded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. These federal grants are designed to enhance local fire departments’ abilities to comply with response, equipment, and operational standards established by the National Fire Protection Association.
The following communities will receive AFG grants to enhance the safety and training of firefighters and purchase needed equipment:
- Lincoln’s Quinnville Fire District will receive $139,762 for equipment upgrades, including firefighter breathing apparatus, firefighter turnout gear, and a new washer and dryer for personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Narragansett Fire Department will receive $164,371 to purchase new washers and dryers for PPE and to carry out firefighter training programs
- Woonsocket Fire Department will receive $424,785 for firefighter training
“Making sure that Rhode Island’s local fire department have training opportunities and modern equipment is essential to ensuring public safety across our communities,” said Senator Reed. “These federal funds will help firefighters in Lincoln, Narragansett, and Woonsocket respond to emergencies efficiently, effectively, and safely.”
“Firefighters and first responders put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe every day,” said Senator Whitehouse. “I am pleased to help secure this funding to equip three local fire departments with the resources and training to continue serving safely and effectively.”
“RI firefighters stand ready to risk their lives for the health and safety of our communities, and it’s our job to keep them safe in the course of their duties,” said Rep. Seth Magaziner. “This federal funding will help firefighters in Lincoln, Narragansett, and Woonsocket stay safe and prepared when responding to emergencies.”
This $728,000 in federal funding for local fire departments in Rhode Island comes on the heels of an announcement earlier this month of nearly $1.4 million in AFG grants for Cranston, Lincoln, Newport, Pawtucket, Portsmouth, and the Rhode Island Fire Academy.
Over the last twenty years, Rhode Island fire departments and other first responders across the state have received over $122 million in AFG and Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) awards.
Chip Unruh (Reed), (202) 224-4642
Meaghan McCabe (Whitehouse), (202) 224-2921
James Kwon (Magaziner), (202) 951-0315
