WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo announced $2,459,605 in federal grants to strengthen safety, training, and staffing for fire departments in South Kingstown, Pascoag, Foster, West Warwick, Woonsocket, and Central Falls.

The federal funds are being awarded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program. These federal grants are designed to enhance local fire departments’ abilities to comply with response, equipment, and operational standards established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

The following communities will receive federal grants to enhance the safety of firefighters through new training courses, the acquisition of needed equipment, and recruitment of new firefighters:

  • Union Fire District of South Kingstown will receive a $648,270 SAFER grant to carry out its recruitment and retention program to attract new firefighters to the volunteer department.
  • Pascoag Fire Department will receive a $628,571 AFG award to acquire a new specialized all-wheel drive 2,000-gallon tanker vehicle that will replace an outdated tanker that does not meet current NFPA standards, lacks safety features, and is in critical need of replacement.
  • Moosup Valley Volunteer Fire Department in Foster will receive a $428,571 AFG award to acquire a new specialized Quick Attack vehicle that will improve the capabilities of the department in a variety of terrain conditions and emergencies.
  • West Warwick Fire Department will receive a $412,158 AFG award to acquire 41 new firefighter self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units and 25 mask mounted regulators to replace outdated equipment that is critical to the safety of firefighters.
  • Woonsocket Fire Department will receive a $251,035 AFG award to purchase new firefighting hoses, nozzles, and appliances that will upgrade its current hose system which is worn and outdated, and to implement new training courses for firefighters.
  • Central Falls Fire Department will receive a $91,000 AFG award to acquire a new cardiac monitor, three new automatic defibrillators (AED’s), and four thermal image cameras to help firefighters identify heat sources while attempting to rescue residents.

“Rhode Island’s brave firefighters help save lives and keep our communities safe,” said Senator Reed.  “They deserve the best equipment and training available to ensure they are able to safely and effectively serve and protect our communities.”

“Rhode Island’s brave first responders deserve access to the best tools and training available so they can do their work safely and effectively,” said Senator Whitehouse.  “I’m glad to help secure these awards to help fire departments across the Ocean State fill their ranks and better serve and protect their communities.”

“When disaster strikes, firefighters are ready to put their lives on the line to protect their neighbors, and it is our job to ensure first responders have what they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Rep. Seth Magaziner. “This federal funding will help ensure local fire departments are fully staffed, adequately trained and equipped with tools to keep Rhode Islanders safe.”

“These federal funds will help upgrade equipment and bolster staffing for our local fire departments to better protect the safety and well-being of Rhode Island’s residents,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “It is an honor to stand shoulder-to-shoulder alongside our congressional delegation to support our brave first responders and prepare them to face any emergency.”

Over the last two years, Rhode Island fire departments and other first responders across the state have been awarded over $30 million in federal funding through FEMA’s AFG and Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant funding.  Congress appropriated $648 million for the AFG and SAFER programs in the fiscal year 2024 appropriations law.

So far this year, the Rhode Island congressional delegation has announced over $4.4 million in federal AFG grants for fire departments and first responders across the state.