WASHINGTON, DC — In an effort to help strengthen Watch Hill's emergency response capabilities, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that the Watch Hill Fire Department is being awarded $38,000 in federal funds to purchase an air compressor and fill station unit. This unit enables firefighters to replenish the cylinders on their self contained breathing apparatuses so they can work for longer periods of time in toxic environments.

"I am pleased to have helped secure this federal funding to strengthen the Watch Hill Fire Department's emergency response capabilities," said Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee. "This federal investment will help safeguard the health and safety of our Watch Hill firefighters as they continue to do an outstanding job of protecting our community."

"I would like to thank Senator Reed for helping to secure this federal funding for the Watch Hill Fire Department. This money will allow us to purchase vital equipment so we can work continuously for long periods of time when disaster strikes. Our station is on the shoreline and potentially can be isolated from the rest of the town. Until now, we have had to rely on getting to one of the other two stations in Westerly in order to refill the cylinders on our breathing apparatuses," said Scott Harold, Chief of the Watch Hill Fire Department.

The Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant program awards one-year grants directly to local fire departments and emergency responders, enhancing their ability to respond to emergencies. This program supports local departments by providing them with the tools and resources necessary to protect the health and safety of the public and firefighting personnel.

Each February, Senator Reed hosts his annual workshop to assist Rhode Island fire departments that are interested in applying for the grants. Communities across Rhode Island have won awards from the federal program since Reed began his workshops.