Feds grant $654K to help R.I. fight fire more effectively

WASHINGTON – A handful of local fire departments and one agency in Rhode Island will receive $654,160 worth of federal fire safety grants to help upgrade equipment and train firefighters, the state’s congressional delegation announced Wednesday.

The funds are through competitive grant programs administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.

Hope Valley/Wyoming, North Scituate and Portsmouth fire departments will receive a total of $352,646 in Assistance to Firefighters Grants.

Hope Valley/Wyoming will use its share of $206,150 to purchase 35 new firefighter breathing apparatuses. Portsmouth will use its $74,685 to purchase a new firefighting hose and an air refill system. And North Scituate will use its $71,811 to help purchase 21 sets of firefighter protective turnout gear and 20 sets of emergency medical services turnout gear, and provide firefighter training.

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In addition, The Providence Housing Authority received a $301,514 Fire Prevention and Safety grant to install the Safe T Element device in more than 700 housing units in Hartford Park Tower, Dexter Manor, Dominica Manor and Kilmartin Plaza. The device helps to prevent cooking fires before they start.

“Every day, Rhode Island firefighters work to keep our families out of harm’s way. These federal AFG awards will provide our firefighters with the resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively, and will help towns take important preventative measures to ensure residents’ safety,” said U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, in prepared remarks. “I congratulate these Rhode Island communities on winning these grants.”

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