BURRILLVILLE – New emergency cardiac equipment will be purchased with $87,523 in federal funding for the Oakland-Mapleville Fire Department.
U.S. Sens. Jack F. Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Rep. James R. Langevin announced the funding on Thursday for the fire department.
In addition to purchasing a new cardiac compression device, the grant also will enable the department to purchase two additional cardiac monitors, replacing outdated monitors in service.
Funding is made available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.
“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 for [its] 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 Reed, who supported the department’s application for the grant funding in a letter to FEMA.
Said Oakland-Mapleville Fire Chief Joe Bertholic, “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.”
Since Congress established the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program in 2001, Rhode Island fire departments and other first responders have received more than $26 million in AFG awards.
