RI Delegation Announces Funding for Harrisville Fire Department and Cumberland Rescue Service

Press Release

Today, Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline announced $48,000 in federal funding to upgrade equipment for firefighters in Harrisville and emergency medical responders in Cumberland.

The funding was authorized as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG), which is designed to aid fire departments and emergency medical service organizations meet their equipment, training, and other needs. The Harrisville Fire Department will receive $11,315 for upgrades to operations and safety equipment. The Cumberland Rescue Service will receive $36,837 for emergency medical services turnout gear.

"These may not seem like the biggest federal grants, but they have a major impact in terms of supporting our firefighters and enhancing public safety. These federal grants will help ensure Cumberland and Harrisville firefighters and paramedics have the right tools and equipment for the job. I am pleased both Cumberland and Harrisville were both selected for these competitive grants to make needed upgrades. I'll continue working to ensure our fire departments throughout the state have the gear and support they need," said U.S. Senator Jack Reed, who leads an annual fire grant workshop to help fire departments across the state apply for competitive federal assistance.

"Every day, Rhode Island firefighters and emergency medical responders put their lives on the line to protect our communities," Whitehouse said, who wrote a letter to FEMA in support of the Harrisville Fire Department's application. "That's why it's important that we provide them with the equipment they need to do their jobs. These AFG awards are an important investment in public safety and I congratulate both towns on successful grant applications."

"During these challenging economic times when municipalities continue to tighten their belts, federal funding and grant opportunities become more important than ever. Every bit helps. Rhode Island fire departments continue to distinguish themselves as exemplary public safety providers, successfully pursuing these funding sources to the benefit of residents statewide and communities like Harrisville," said Congressman Jim Langevin.

"Rhode Island's first responders put their personal safety on the line every single day in order to serve their communities. This federal funding will help ensure that those serving in the Cumberland Fire Department always have the resources they need to do their jobs as effectively and safely as possible. I congratulate the men and women of the Cumberland Fire Department on this important grant award."

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