Senator Jack Reed and members of the Rhode Island Congressional delegation announcing more than 3 million dollars to bolster training and safety within area fire departments.
Warwick Fire Department will receive $1 million to strengthen training for paramedics and firefighters and to purchase new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units. Warwick’s current SCBA units are no longer NFPA compliant and are in need of replacement.
Pawtucket Fire Department will receive $1 million to upgrade the licenses of 16 department members from AEMT-Cardiacs to Paramedics and to purchase new cardiac monitors. Last year, Pawtucket responded to over 14,000 emergency medical (EMS) calls and assisted in more than 800 mutual aid EMS requests, making up approximately 79 percent of all emergency responses by the department.
Oakland-Mapleville Fire Department in Burrillville will receive $928,571 to acquire a new pumper vehicle that will replace the department’s outdated and obsolete 47-year-old engine that is no longer in compliance with NFPA standards.
Rhode Island Fire Academy will receive $348,566 to purchase new equipment that will strengthen the safety of firefighters and help improve training, including two new fire pump simulators and various safety equipment that will allow students at the Academy to master basic operations and functions in a controlled environment.
“Rhode Island communities rely on the courageous service of our local firefighters. Every time they answer a call to respond to an emergency, they put their lives on the line to keep our neighbors safe. I’m proud to help deliver this federal funding for Warwick, Pawtucket, Burrillville, and the Rhode Island Fire Academy to ensure our firefighters have the training and tools they need to safely serve their communities,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee.
(Photo by Ethan Swope/Getty Images)