BURRILLVILLE, RI – U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse together with Congressman Jim Langevin today announced $87,523 in federal funding for the Oakland-Mapleville Fire Department to purchase new, life-saving emergency cardiac equipment.

The Oakland-Mapleville Fire Department will use the federal grant to purchase a new cardiac compression device, which provides automated, consistent cardiac compressions to a person in cardiac arrest.  The grant will also enable the department to purchase two additional cardiac monitors, replacing outdated units that are currently in service.  The funding is made available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG).

“This new equipment can help our firefighters and paramedics effectively treat cardiac patients and save lives.  At a time of constrained budgets, I commend the Oakland-Mapleville Fire Department Department for their hard work to win this competitive grant, and extend my appreciation to all firefighters who put their lives on the line serving our communities,” said Senator Reed, who supported the Department’s application for the grant funding in a letter to FEMA.  Senator Reed leads an annual fire grant workshop to help fire departments across the state apply for similar competitive federal assistance. 

“Rhode Island’s first responders need up-to-date, dependable equipment to keep our communities safe,” said Senator Whitehouse.  "This funding will let the department replace outdated medical equipment and help save lives.  I congratulate the Oakland-Mapleville Fire Department on this significant grant.”

“This cardiac compression and monitoring equipment can be the difference between life and death during a medical emergency, when every second counts and the ability of first responders to prevent tragedy is dependent on having the best possible technology,” said Congressman Langevin. “Assistance to Firefighters Grants continue to help modernize Rhode Island fire departments, and I congratulate the Oakland-Mapleville Department for their hard work in winning this grant award.”

“This grant will enhance our ability to deliver state-of-the-art, advanced life support emergency medical services to the residents of our district and surrounding areas,” said Oakland-Mapleville Fire Chief Joe Bertholic.

AFG is a competitive grant program designed to aid fire departments and emergency medical service organizations in meeting their equipment, training, and other needs.  Since Congress established the program in 2001, Rhode Island fire departments and other first responders have won over $26 million in AFG awards.

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