A new federal law will increase funding for local fire departments across the country. The new law, which was authored by Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed, will help fire departments purchase new equipment, hire and retain firefighters, and improve their training.
“Rhode Island’s firefighters work around the clock to keep us safe and respond to emergencies involving fires, car accidents, heart attacks, and other hazardous incidents. I will continue working at the federal level to ensure our fire departments have the resources and staffing support they need to save lives and protect our communities,” said Senator Reed. “I want to say thank you to our firefighters for putting their lives on the line and making tremendous sacrifices. Thank you for making our communities safer. You do important and dangerous work and we are so grateful and want to ensure you have the resources and support you need.”
The city of Providence has received nearly $3.7 million from the federal government for fire safety programs since 2019. Providence Fire Chief Derek Silva says that the additional federal funding will help the fire department to improve its safety and efficiency.
“We are incredibly grateful to receive both the SAFER and AFG grants, which will significantly enhance our ability to protect and serve the Providence community,” said Providence Fire Chief Derek Silva. “These funds will allow us to hire and retain firefighters, purchase equipment and provide training. Ultimately, these grants will enhance the safety and effectiveness of our firefighters, improving the overall safety of our residents. I thank U.S. Senator Jack Reed for his ongoing support to public safety and helping to provide the highest level of Emergency Medical Services to the people of Providence.”
The new federal law increases funding for the annual authorization for the U.S. Fire Administration by about $20 million. The funding for the fire safety programs remains at $750 million.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.