Coventry Fire District Awarded $76k Federal Grant

COVENTRY, RI — The Coventry Fire District has been awarded its first-ever federal grant, totaling more than $76,000. The funds will be used to install a brand-new air filtration system in the Anthony fire station to cut down on diesel emissions.

The $76,666 grant is not only the first federal grant, but also the first grant of any kind directly awarded to the fire district in more than 30 years. Lieutenant Jonathan Pascua thanked Rhode Island Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Jack Reed for their work to secure the funding.

"The Coventry Fire District is excited to receive this award," he said in a statement. "It's a true testament to the healthy future of this district and a symbol of the hard work and progress made over the past few years."

Most of the grant will go towards the installation of what Pascua called a "state-of-the-art" system to capture diesel vehicle exhaust in the fire station, citing research that the fumes are a leading cause of cancer in firefighters.

The remainder of the funds will be used for other equipment the department needs, including a five-inch feeder hose, fire gear washer and extractor, adapters and more.

"We understand that providing such a complicated and vital service is not easily balanced but federal funding like this allows us to put our best foot forward and give the taxpayers the service they deserve with the very best and most reliable equipment," Pascua added.