WASHINGTON, DC — In an effort to help strengthen Rhode Island's emergency response capabilities, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that fire departments in Coventry, Foster, and Tiverton are being awarded over $214,000 in federal funding to purchase new gear and equipment.

"I am pleased to have helped secure this federal funding to enhance Coventry, Foster, and Tiverton's emergency response capabilities," said Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee. "Rhode Island's firefighters put their lives on the line to safeguard our communities and we are daily reminded of what an outstanding job they do. This federal investment will ensure that local firefighters have the gear and equipment they need to protect themselves and our communities."

The Hopkins Hill Fire Department in Coventry is being awarded nearly $60,000 in federal funds to purchase 37 sets of structural firefighting gear. The new gear will mean that all 55 of the station's firefighters have the latest in up-to-date equipment.

"I am grateful to Senator Reed for working hard to make certain that Hopkins Hill firefighters are protected. We were able to buy 18 sets of gear on our own, but without this federal funding we would not be able to purchase new gear for the other 37 firefighters. Now every firefighter at the Hopkins Hill Fire District will have gear that is 100% compliant and up to date," said Chief Frank Brown.

The Tiverton Fire Department will receive over $35,000 in federal funds to purchase a vehicle exhaust recovery system to help reduce diesel fuel emissions in the station and protect the health and safety of its firefighters. The emissions contain known carcinogens which are emitted from the vehicles when they start up to respond to or return from calls. The system is a stationary unit that helps capture these fumes.

The Foster Center Volunteer Fire Company is being awarded over $118,000 in federal funding to purchase a brand new brush truck to replace an on older version purchased in 1986. Brush trucks are lightweight vehicles used to fight fires off road.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program awards one-year grants directly 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, Reed hosts his annual workshop to assist Rhode Island fire departments that are interested in applying for the grants. Since the inception of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, Reed's workshops have helped Rhode Island fire departments secure over 129 awards totaling over $12.5 million throughout the state.