WASHINGTON, DC — In an effort to help improve Charlestown and Lincoln's emergency response capabilities, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that the Charlestown and Saylesville Fire Districts are receiving over $185,000 in federal funds to purchase new protective equipment. Charlestown Fire District will use its $142,500 award to buy over 20 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBA). SCBAs are air packs that provide firefighters with breathable air so they can operate in toxic environments. Saylesville Fire District plans to use its $45,790 award to purchase protective gear including helmets, boots, and coats.

"I am pleased to have helped secure this federal funding for the Charlestown and Saylesville Fire Districts. This money will help purchase new state-of-the-art equipment vital to protecting our firefighters in the field," said Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee. "We rely on our firefighters every day and they do outstanding work. It is imperative they have the equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively."

The money comes from the fiscal year (FY) 2007 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, which Reed supported in order to ensure that Rhode Island's fire departments have the resources they need.

"I am grateful to Senator Reed for working hard to make certain that Charlestown's firefighters are protected. Without this federal funding we would not be able to purchase new air packs. Most of our current breathing apparatuses are over ten years old and are not compatible with the apparatuses used by the fire stations in the surrounding towns. These updated air packs will allow us to work more quickly and effectively with firefighters from other departments and ensure that we have enough on hand to protect our own. In the past, we have had to send firefighters to the hospital because their air packs could not sustain them," said Charlestown Fire District Chief Donald Rathbone.

Each SCBA unit is composed of a high-pressure tank, a pressure regulator, and a face mask that are connected together and mounted on a carrying frame. The new packs are lighter and more compatible with other equipment.

"I would like to thank Senator Reed for ensuring that the Saylesville Fire District has the money to safeguard the health and safety of our firefighters. This federal funding will help us purchase brand new protective gear so that our firefighters are properly equipped to do their jobs," said Saylesville Fire District Chief David Almond.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program awards one-year grants through the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to local fire departments and emergency responders, enhancing their ability to respond to emergencies. This program supports local departments by providing them with the tools and resources necessary to protect the health and safety of the public and firefighting personnel.

Each February, Senator Reed hosts his annual workshop to assist Rhode Island fire departments that are interested in applying for the grants. Communities across Rhode Island have won awards from the federal program since Reed began his workshops.