WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo announced that Central Coventry Fire District and the Smithfield Fire Department will receive $669,038 in federal funding to enhance response capabilities, support firefighters, and bolster public safety.

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.  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.

The Town of Smithfield will receive $477,677 to update Smithfield Fire Department’s current communications system and provide training for firefighters. Funds will support the replacement of obsolete, unrepairable equipment with modern, interoperable equipment and help prepare firefighters to respond to a range of emergencies.

The Central Coventry Fire District will receive $191,361 to acquire new firefighter turnout gear, a thermal imaging camera, and state-of-the-art portable radios to ensure firefighters have the gear and tools they need to safely respond to the scene of emergencies.

“Day in and day out, Rhode Island’s courageous firefighters put their lives on the line to serve their communities and keep our neighbors safe. I’m proud to help deliver federal funding for Central Coventry and Smithfield to ensure firefighters and first responders have the tools they need to stay safe while responding to emergencies,” said Senator Reed, who leads an annual fire grant workshop for fire departments across Rhode Island.

“First responders, who put their lives on the line to protect others, should have the very best equipment to do their job safely and effectively,” said Whitehouse.  “This federal funding will provide new equipment for the firefighters in the Central Coventry Fire District and the Smithfield Fire Department as they work to keep our communities safe.”

“Rhode Island's firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to protect their neighbors, and this federal funding will help ensure they have the tools they need to respond to emergencies quickly, safely and effectively,” said Rep. Seth Magaziner. 

“I am excited to join my colleagues in announcing these federal funds that will fulfill critical safety needs for firefighters and communities,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “This substantial federal investment in the Smithfield Fire Department will help our brave men and women be better trained and communicate easier to tackle a wide range of emergencies. I’m honored to support our first responders who answer the call to keep us safe.”

Upgrades for Smithfield Fire Department’s communications infrastructure will allow the department to be compatible with the Rhode Island Statewide Communications Network (RISCON) radio system and will allow for reliable communications between departments and agencies during a range of emergencies. The improvements will increase firefighter safety and assist the department by providing reliable communications during local and mutual aid incidents.

Central Coventry Fire District’s federal grant award will help purchase new, state-of-the-art equipment that strengthens the safety of firefighters on the scene of emergencies with upgraded turnout gear, a state-of-the-art thermal image camera to track developments and placement of firefighters during low-visibility situations, and new portable radios to provide more reliable communication.

Over the last two years, Rhode Island fire departments and other first responders across the state were awarded $27.8 million in federal funding through AFG and SAFER grant funding.  Congress appropriated $648 million for the AFG and SAFER programs in the fiscal year 2024 appropriations law.

Earlier this month, the Rhode Island delegation delivered $463,948 in federal AFG awards for departments in East Greenwich, Middletown, Lincoln, and Providence.