$477,677 award to help Smithfield Fire Department keep communities safe
SMITHFIELD, RI – Today, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) joined local elected officials as well as local firefighters to announce a $477,677 federal grant for Smithfield Fire Department. Awarded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, the federal funds will help Smithfield update their current communications system and provide training for firefighters to better respond to a wide range of emergencies.
This funding is part of the nearly $7 million in federal grants for fire departments and first responders that Rhode Island’s congressional delegation has helped deliver this year.
“We fill up the bucket [as a delegation] but the fire departments have to win the grants — these are competitive grants,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. “So bravo and congratulations to Smithfield for winning half a million dollars, nearly, for an upgrade to their communications system. Congratulations to [Smithfield Fire] Chief Seltzer and recognition to [Smithfield Police] Chief Dolan as well.”
“Our fire departments should be fully-staffed, highly-trained, and well-equipped. That’s the motto and that’s the metric by which we need to hold ourselves accountable,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “Thanks to these federal funds, Smithfield will be able to purchase the radios and provide the training that firefighters don’t just deserve, but have earned, through their service.”
LEGISLATIVE BACKGROUND
Over the last two years, Rhode Island fire departments and other first responders across the state have been awarded over $30 million in federal funding through FEMA AFG and Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant funding. Congress appropriated $648 million for the AFG and SAFER programs in the fiscal year 2024 appropriations law. The federal grant program is designed to enhance the department’s ability to comply with response, staffing, and operational standards established by the National Fire Protection Association.
