Fire departments in Newport, Jamestown, Portsmouth, and on Prudence Island will receive a combined $758,830 in federal grants to upgrade equipment and enhance training programs, Rhode Island’s congressional delegation announced Thursday.
The funding comes through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, part of more than $8.5 million awarded to fire departments across Rhode Island.
The Newport Fire Department will receive $160,091 for new firefighting hose, nozzles, and appliances. Jamestown Fire Department will receive $285,714 for new firefighter breathing apparatus, while the Portsmouth Fire Department will receive $218,461 for paramedic training programs. Prudence Island Fire Department will get $94,564 for firefighter turnout gear for volunteer firefighters.
“Rhode Island’s brave firefighters help save lives and keep our communities safe. We owe it to them to provide them with the best equipment and training possible,” said Senator Jack Reed in a press release. “This federal funding ensures our first responders have the right tools and staffing levels to do their jobs safely and effectively.”
The grants are intended to help local fire departments upgrade and modernize their equipment, improve training, and enhance their abilities to comply with response, equipment, and operational standards established by the National Fire Protection Association.
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse emphasized the importance of supporting frontline responders. “Firefighters serve on the frontlines protecting their communities each day,” Whitehouse said in the press release. “This federal funding will provide a big boost for fifteen local fire departments to ensure they have the tools and resources needed to conduct their work safely and effectively.”
Representative Seth Magaziner noted that many fire departments struggle with outdated equipment. “Fire departments across Rhode Island are too often working with outdated equipment. We owe it to them to ensure they have the tools and training they need to respond quickly and keep Rhode Islanders safe,” Magaziner said in the release.
Congressman Gabe Amo highlighted the risks firefighters face daily. “Rhode Island firefighters run into danger to keep our communities safe,” Amo said in the release. “This federal funding will help ensure firefighters across the Ocean State have the training and tools they need to safely do their jobs.”
The Newport County awards are part of a statewide allocation that includes significant funding for the Providence Fire Department, which received over $5.4 million through three separate grants, including funds to hire 16 new firefighters. The Prudence Island award is particularly notable as it recognizes and supports volunteer firefighters who serve the Portsmouth Island community.
Rhode Island’s congressional delegation helped secure $648 million in federal funding nationwide for the competitive fire grant programs in fiscal year 2024. Over the past two years, Rhode Island fire departments have received more than $30 million in federal funding through FEMA’s grant programs.
Senator Reed leads an annual fire grant workshop to help local fire departments navigate the competitive application process. The grants are awarded based on need, scope, community impact, and overall application merit.
