Senator Reed joined Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian in announcing $949,549 in federal funding for the Warwick Fire Department. This federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) will allow Warwick firefighters to complete specialized rescue training and gain technical expertise aimed at better preparing them for a variety of emergencies such as potential building collapses or other industrial accidents. This marks the second major AFG award Warwick has received over the last year.
The City of Warwick has a number of large-scale construction projects -- including the expansion of the runway at T.F. Green Airport, transportation infrastructure projects, improvements to public facilities, and wind turbine projects. The Warwick Fire Department applied for the competitive AFG award to help offset the cost of training their firefighters on specific emergency response techniques, such as trench rescue, which involves excavating or rescuing individuals who have become trapped beneath the surface. The courses also cover other specialized areas, and can help firefighters update their skills and learn new techniques in rope rescue, confined space, swift water, vehicle, machinery, structural collapse, and tower scenarios.
“I commend the Warwick Fire Department for winning this grant to enhance their rescue capabilities and better serve the public. Firefighters do so much more than just fight fires and these federal dollars will help ensure they have the specialized training they need to effectively respond to a variety of search and rescue incidents,” said Senator Reed, who supported the Department’s application for the grant funding in a letter to FEMA.
