Washington, DC – In an effort to ensure Rhode Island firefighters have the tools, training, and equipment they need to safely and effectively respond to emergencies throughout their communities, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo today announced $463,948 in federal funding for fire departments in East Greenwich, Middletown, Lincoln, and Providence.
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 of firefighters and purchase needed equipment:
- East Greenwich Fire Department will receive $264,999 for replacing fire and smoke alarms in each of the town’s fire stations.
- Town of Middletown will receive $49,723 for training and related equipment to strengthen emergency response, safety, and survival for firefighters.
- Lincoln Fire Department will receive $51,167 for replacing hose related equipment used by the Lime Rock Fire Department which has fallen into a state of disrepair.
- City of Providence Fire Department will receive $98,057 for a regional initiative with Pawtucket to acquire 15 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) cylinders, and install two new SCBA fill stations to increase storage and bolster safety of local firefighters along with needed in-station upgrades to boost capacity.
“Rhode Island’s brave firefighters go above and beyond protecting our communities and improving public safety. They deserve the best equipment available to ensure they can respond to a range of emergencies quickly and safely,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee. “I am pleased that we were able to secure these federal funds to ensure we meet the equipment needs of East Greenwich, Middletown, Lincoln, and Providence.”
“Our communities are best served when first responders have access to the tools and resources available to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Senator Whitehouse. “I am pleased to help secure this federal investment to meet the equipment and training needs of four local fire departments.”
“Rhode Island’s firefighters risk their lives to protect us, and it is vital that they have the highest quality equipment to ensure they are safe in the course of their duties,” said Rep. Seth Magaziner. “I’m proud to announce this federal funding with my colleagues in the congressional delegation for equipment that will improve emergency response times and keep Rhode Islanders safe.”
“When Rhode Island’s firefighters arrive on the scene, they are often responding on the worst day of someone’s life. We can never accept a situation where they are left under- or unequipped to carry out this essential mission to help,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “Today’s awarding of federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program funding will make an enormous difference for our local First Congressional District fire departments in Middletown, Lincoln, and Providence as we work to protect the public and serve those who serve our communities every day.”
Over the last two years, Rhode Island fire departments and other first responders across the state were awarded $27.8 million in federal funding through AFG and SAFER grant funding. Congress appropriated $648 million for the AFG and SAFER programs in the fiscal year 2024 appropriations law.
The Rhode Island congressional delegation recently helped pass the Fire Grants and Safety Act (P.L. 118-67) to extend federal programs that help support local fire departments around Rhode Island and across the country. President Biden signed the bill into law on July 9, 2024.
The bill reauthorizes through 2028 the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, and the United States Fire Administration (USFA). The programs were set to expire this year and are used by local fire departments to address staffing needs, purchase equipment, develop fire training and education programs, and improve emergency medical services.
