As reported by the Office of Sheldon Whitehouse, Rhode Island fire departments have been awarded $3,277,138 in federal grants to improve the safety and effectiveness of their operations.
The grants, provided through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, will support fire departments in Warwick, Pawtucket, Burrillville, and the Rhode Island Fire Academy.
The funds are intended to help these departments meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards by enabling the acquisition of essential equipment and training resources.
The Warwick Fire Department is set to receive $1 million to purchase new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units and to strengthen paramedic and firefighter training programs.
The existing SCBA units are outdated and no longer compliant with NFPA standards.
The Pawtucket Fire Department will also receive $1 million, which will be used to upgrade the licenses of 16 department members from AEMT-Cardiacs to Paramedics and to purchase new cardiac monitors.
In 2023, approximately 79 percent of all emergency responses by Pawtucket were related to emergency medical services.
The Oakland-Mapleville Fire Department in Burrillville has been awarded $928,571 to replace its outdated 47-year-old pumper vehicle with a new one.
The current vehicle is no longer compliant with NFPA standards.
This investment aims to improve the department’s operational efficiency and ensure the safety of both the firefighters and the community.
The Rhode Island Fire Academy will receive $348,566 to purchase new equipment, including two fire pump simulators, which will help enhance the training capabilities for firefighters across the state.
The new equipment will allow students to gain hands-on experience with fire pump operations in a controlled environment, improving their readiness for real-world scenarios.
Rhode Island’s congressional delegation, including Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo, have expressed strong support for the funding.
Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, emphasized the importance of ensuring that firefighters have the necessary tools and training to serve their communities safely.
Senator Whitehouse stated: “This federal funding will help ensure firefighters in Warwick, Pawtucket, Burrillville, and at the Rhode Island Fire Academy have the right training and equipment to do their jobs safely and effectively.”
Rhode Island fire departments in Warwick, Pawtucket, Burrillville, and the Rhode Island Fire Academy have been awarded $3,277,138 in federal grants.
The funds, provided through FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, will be used to purchase essential equipment and enhance training programs.
The Warwick Fire Department will receive $1 million to update SCBA units and improve training.
Pawtucket Fire Department will use its $1 million grant to upgrade licenses and purchase new cardiac monitors.
The Oakland-Mapleville Fire Department in Burrillville will receive $928,571 for a new pumper vehicle, and the Rhode Island Fire Academy will receive $348,566 for new training equipment.
The grants are intended to help these departments meet NFPA standards.
