WASHINGTON, D.C. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) informed U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) that DHS is awarding the Chariho Regional School District $358,820 in federal funds for fire safety and prevention.The federal funding comes from the fiscal year (FY) 2005 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill which Reed supported. I am pleased that the Chariho Regional School District has been awarded this important funding to help upgrade and protect its schools from fire danger, Reed stated. This grant is evidence of the important work that the district has done to promote fire safety.Chariho Regional School District Superintendent, Barry Ricci, stated, "The District is pleased and honored to accept this significant grant from the US Department of Homeland Security. Work will begin this summer on upgrading fire alarm systems in three of our elementary schools. As a result, our youngest students will be educated in schools with state-of-the-art fire prevention systems."The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Programs Fire Prevention and Safety Grant (FP&S) program awards grants to national, regional, state, local, or community organizations (including fire departments) that are recognized for their experience and expertise in fire prevention or safety programs and activities. In February, Reed hosted his annual workshop to assist Rhode Island fire departments that are interested in applying for the grants. Last year, over $1.7 million was awarded to local fire departments across Rhode Island through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. Communities including Lonsdsale, Quinnville and Central Falls have won awards from the federal program since Reed began his workshops.