PRUDENCE ISLAND, RI – In an effort to help preserve Prudence Island’s scenic beauty and history and to enhance public safety for year-round residents and seasonal visitors alike, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today joined the Prudence Island community to celebrate the transfer in ownership of the Sandy Point Lighthouse and to officially launch Prudence Island Volunteer Fire Department’s (PIVFD) newest Pumper Truck.

“I am pleased to be on Prudence Island today to celebrate two pieces of great news for the community: the preservation of Rhode Island’s oldest working lighthouse through the stewardship of the Prudence Conservancy, and the dedication of PIVFD’s new fire engine which will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Island’s brave volunteer firefighters,” said Senator Reed. “Prudence Island is a gem in the middle of Narragansett Bay. By celebrating its rich history through the conveyance of Sandy Point Lighthouse to a dedicated local nonprofit, we are ensuring that the heritage of Prudence Island can be shared with residents and visitors for generations to come. And with the arrival of this important new pumper truck, volunteer first responders on the Island are gaining a new tool that will help firefighters respond to a wide variety of emergencies, no matter where they may be.”

During a special ceremony on the eastern shore of Prudence Island, Senator Reed joined with volunteers and members of the Prudence Conversancy – the organization selected by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service to care for the lighthouse – to officially turn over ownership of the historic Sandy Point Lighthouse.

Built two centuries ago, the Sandy Point Lighthouse was originally constructed in Newport Harbor in 1823 and then moved to Prudence Island in Portsmouth in 1851. The 28-foot, cast iron lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

The Prudence Conservancy was chosen as the new day-to-day operator of the historic lighthouse after a multi-year process that included action by a variety of federal agencies and entities, such as the U.S. Coast Guard; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; the U.S. Department of Interior; and the National Park Service.  The final step was for the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) to officially accept the recommendation from the National Park Service.

Senator Reed first announced the intended conveyance of Sandy Point Lighthouse to the Prudence Conservancy last July.

In 2001, the Prudence Island Conservancy began managing the Sandy Point Lighthouse in conjunction with the Coast Guard.  Today, the lighthouse uses solar power and remains an active part of the Coast Guard’s Aids to Navigation (ATON) system, which will continue after conveyance.

“The Prudence Conservancy is honored to be entrusted with the ownership of the island’s most recognized landmark.  In collaboration with the PI Historical and Preservation Society, it’s history and the stories of the Lightkeepers will be preserved,” said Raymond Jenness, Prudence Conservancy Chairman.  “The Prudence Conservancy’s Board and dedicated volunteers are excited to begin the restoration project which will ensure this iconic beacon will be cherished for years to come.”

After the event at the Sandy Point Lighthouse, Senator Reed met with Prudence Island Volunteer Fire Department Chief Louis Lepere to help volunteer firefighters dedicate the department’s new, state-of-the-art pumper truck.

Senator Reed helped to deliver a $357,142 federal grant through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program to acquire the fire engine and ensure PIVFD firefighters have the modern tools needed to safely and effectively serve residents of and visitors to Prudence Island.

The new fire engine replaces a nearly 50-year-old vehicle that was in disrepair and provides PIVFD with a wide variety of new safety features and modern systems to help enhance the safety of firefighters and the public.  With over eighty percent of the Island designated as conservation land, the new pumper truck increases maneuverability over a variety of terrain and significantly enhances reliability for the geographically isolated volunteer fire department.

PIVFD Chief Louis Lepere said, “Prudence Island is a tight-knit community, and the Prudence Island Volunteer Fire Department is made of volunteers that are 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generational members.  Most of our calls involve family and friends and keeping everyone safe is our #1 priority.  Having the right equipment is critical especially in our case where our resources are limited to what we have on the island.   Our new Engine 82 gives us a critical front-line piece of equipment that will help keep all islanders and volunteers safer.”

Today’s ceremony officially dedicated the new fire engine to former Prudence Island Fire Chief Robert Thurber.

In addition to protecting the public, the PIVFD helps assist with wildfire mitigation per the Prudence Island Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

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