The East Providence Fire Department was the recipient of a $5,000 grant provided by Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage and the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co. The funds will be used to replace aging equipment.
“Fire departments across the country are scaling back on buying essential equipment due to budget constraints,” said Fire Chief Joseph Klucznik of the East Providence Fire Department. “This grant is earmarked for new hoses that will strengthen the department’s firefighting operations,” said Nat Calamis, president of Starkweather & Shepley. Last year East Providence removed more than 1,000 feet of hose from service because of failures identified during yearly preventive testing. Much of the East Providence Fire Department’s hose equipment is between 12 and 14 years old. The recommended life of the equipment is 10 years, the fire department said.
Through a nationwide program, independent insurance brokers such as Starkweather & Shepley work with Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company to direct grants to local fire departments. Klucznik was joined by East Providence firefighters and local officials along with executives from Starkweather & Shepley and Fireman’s Fund to present the grant. •
