PROVIDENCE, RI – Rhode Island’s fire departments play an essential role in supporting our communities, enhancing public safety, and saving lives.  U.S. Senator Jack Reed is leading the charge to deliver more federal funds to fire departments in Rhode Island and nationwide and is sounding the alarm that the main federal firefighter funding grant programs: the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program, are at risk of being eliminated without bipartisan, bicameral Congressional action.  Both programs are due to expire at the end of September, unless Congress acts to reauthorize them.

Last year, Rhode Island fire departments and other first responders across the state were awarded $28.4 million in federal funding through Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance for Firefighters (AFG) and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant funding.

In an effort to keep federal fire grants coming to Rhode Island, Senator Reed is urging Congress to pass the Fire Grants and Safety Act, which would reauthorize key federal programs that provide robust funding to local fire departments to purchase equipment and help them hire more firefighters.

“I am so grateful to our firefighters and first responders.  Federal AFG and SAFER grants help them do their jobs more effectively and improve public safety.  I am committed to reauthorizing these critical grant programs so that local fire departments can meet their equipment, training, and staffing needs.  Ultimately, this money helps protect our communities and improves emergency response services,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, who led efforts to include a total of $720 million for the AFG and SAFER programs in the fiscal year 2023 appropriations law.

AFG grants help firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.

SAFER grants are used to help hire frontline firefighters and assist local fire departments comply with staffing, response, and operational standards established by the National Fire Protection Association.

Senator Reed leads annual fire grant workshops for fire departments across the state to help them compete for these federal funds.  Visiting fire stations across the state, Senator Reed has seen firsthand how these federal funds are put to good use by local fire departments.

In 2022, Rhode Island fire departments were awarded $14.6 million in AFG funds, supporting 40 projects and initiatives across the state.  Fire stations used this funding to purchase communications equipment and new, state-of-the-art firefighting gear and vehicles. AFG funds also help develop and implement fire training and education programs and improve emergency medical services.

Rhode Island cities and towns also received $13.75 million in SAFER grants in 2022.  This federal funding is being used to support the hiring and retention of 44 firefighters across the state and will also be used to help recruit and retain volunteer emergency responders.

“AFG and SAFER funds enhance public safety and improve fire departments’ emergency response capabilities.  It is critical we renew these programs and appropriate funds to carry out their intended purpose,” said Senator Reed.  “Our firefighters do so much for our communities and Congress must support their heroic efforts.  It is imperative our firefighters have the equipment, staffing, and technical training needed to operate safely and effectively in a range of emergencies.”

The Fire Grants and Safety Act would reauthorize AFG and SAFER through 2030.  The bill would also authorize $95 million for the United States Fire Administration (USFA) - a nearly $20 million increase from current levels.

Additionally, Senator Reed is a supporter of the Facilitating Investments Required for Emergency Services to All Towns in Our Nation (FIRE STATION) Act which would provide a federal boost to public safety in Rhode island.  The FIRE STATION Act aims to create a $750 million grant program within FEMA to renovate and construct fire and EMS department facilities.  Under the Reed-backed proposal, the federal grant funding could be used to build, rebuild, or renovate fire and EMS department facilities; upgrade existing facilities to install exhaust emission control systems; install backup power systems; upgrade or replace environmental control systems, such as HVAC systems; remove or remediate mold; and construct or modify living quarters for use by personnel.