WOONSOCKET – The Woonsocket Fire Department received $1.5 million in federal funding to recruit, hire, train and retain additional firefighters, U.S. Sens. Jack F. Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Rep. David N. Cicilline announced Tuesday.
The funding comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant program. The money will be used to help fund the hiring of 12 firefighter positions and to ensure that the fire department is compliant with National Fire Protection Association regulations.
According to a release, this will allow the Woonsocket Fire Department to field three-man ladder companies, expediting a crew’s effectiveness upon arriving at a fire.
“Woonsocket greatly appreciates the delegation’s continued support of our first responders. Funding these additional positions ensures adequate coverage for emergencies in our city,” said Woonsocket Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt.
“The most important assets any fire department has are the dedicated men and women who work every day to protect their communities,” said Whitehouse.
Rhode Island has received $8.5 million in federal fire grant safety funding this year to help 11 fire departments, according to Reed’s office.
