NARRAGANSETT, RI – U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman Jim Langevin announced today that the Narragansett Fire Department will receive a $54,726 grant from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The Narragansett Fire Department will use these funds to purchase protective turnout gear and bailout systems.

“When first responders put themselves in harm’s way to protect our communities and our families, it is our duty to ensure they have the best possible equipment to get the job done. These AFG grants are an important investment in the safety of our firefighters and public safety as well. I’m glad to see these federal dollars flowing to Rhode Island and being put to good use,” said Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“We depend on our firefighters to protect Rhode Island families in dangerous conditions,” said Whitehouse, who wrote a letter in support of Narragansett's grant application. “These federal funds will provide Narragansett’s first responders equipment that works well and keeps them safe.”

“It has been a challenging time for municipal budgets, and the Narragansett Fire Department continues to do more with less, delivering exceptional public safety services despite limited resources,” said Congressman Jim Langevin. “I am thrilled that this grant will benefit such a deserving department, and I know it will be put to good use to further protect and serve the residents of Narragansett.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program is administered through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Nationwide, more than $274 million has been awarded through the program for operations and safety.

“I am so pleased that the Narragansett Fire Department has been awarded this grant, and it really could not have come at a better time,” said Narragansett Fire Chief Scott Partington. “Budgetary constraints have made it difficult to replace and update equipment, so these funds will go a long way to support and improve the fire service in Narragansett.”

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