FEMA awards millions in grants to emergency responders

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has distributed millions of dollars in federal grant funding to fire departments and emergency response organizations across several states to enhance community resilience and responder safety.

In Rhode Island, nearly $2.7 million was awarded to various fire departments and first responder agencies. Notable recipients include Woonsocket, which received $1 million for a ladder truck, and the Central Coventry Fire District, which was awarded over $499,000 for an ambulance. The Newport Fire Department will receive more than $68,000 for CPR devices.

In a separate distribution, fire departments and emergency response organizations in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia received more than $47 million. This funding was allocated through three programs: the Fire Prevention and Safety grant program, the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant program, and the Assistance to Firefighters Grants program. These funds are intended for personnel costs, recruitment, protective equipment, emergency vehicles, and wellness programs.