Providence Fire Department receives $1 mln grant for safety, training

The Providence Fire Department in Rhode Island recently received a nearly $1 million federal grant award earmarked for the department’s safety and training, according to an announcement made by state and federal lawmakers last week.

Sens. Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) joined Reps. Jim Langevin (D-RI) and David Cicilline (D-RI) as well as Providence Public Safety Commissioner Steven Paré in announcing the Providence Fire Department’s access to $993,309 through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.

Officials said the funding would provide additional training for 173 officers in three different National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) courses, noting certified instructors will train the officers at the Rhode Island State Fire Training Academy.

“Our firefighters do so much to enhance public safety,” Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee that oversees FEMA funding, said. “They put their lives on the line, and it is our duty as legislators to ensure they have the tools, training, and resources to do their jobs safely and effectively. This federal grant will help ensure that Providence firefighters are ready to respond to any call their physically-demanding profession requires them to.”

Officials said the funds would also allow for the acquisition of fitness equipment and provide resources to re-certify fitness trainers to expand the Department’s Peer Fitness Training Program.

“The Providence Fire Department has long endeavored to maintain the highest level of professional training and up to date certifications for its Officers and Firefighters,” Paré said. “We are grateful for this much needed federal funding through the AFG grant, which will allow our firefighters the resources necessary in order to revamp our peer fitness program, working towards the prevention of injuries to our members while on duty and also to improve overall firefighter health, wellness, fitness, safety and job performance.”