Portsmouth Fire Department Awarded Grant for Protective Equipment

Over the past three years, the Portsmouth Fire Department has been diligently applying for and securing grants to upgrade some of its older equipment.

This week, the department has once again received notice that it has received grant money. This time, it’s getting $15,545 through the Federal Emergency Management’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. In all, the department’s cumulative total during the three year-period is $236,000.

The latest infusion of money is being used to replace the department’s turnout gear — the protective clothing firefighters wear when they respond to a fire — to newer, much safer equipment.

With this latest round of funding, the department now boasts having new turnout gear for every firefighter that is up to date with the latest compliance standards.

“The gear is lighter, designed for improved mobility, and offers enhanced thermal protection. Firefighters will be less likely to receive burn injuries and less likely to suffer strains and sprains while operating at emergency incidents,” said Portsmouth Dep. Fire Chief Michael P. O’Brien.

Past grants have allowed the department to replace its entire hose inventory, all of its self-contained breathing apparatus and to buy a compressor and cascade system to fill air cylinders.

“The goal of the Department’s grant writing efforts has been to improve the Portsmouth Fire Department’s mission capability, while minimizing the financial burden to our residents,” O’Brien said.

U.S. Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, along with Congressman David Cicilline announced the grants on Wednesday.

Reed, who leads an annual fire grant workshop to help departments apply for similar grants, commended the department for winning the peer-reviewed, competitive grants.

The grants have historically been made available through FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and its Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program. Known as AFG and SAFER respectively, the programs have been a lifesaver for cities and towns strapped for cash but needing to invest in pubic safety.

Along with Portsmouth, Central Falls was awarded $544,264 to hire four firefighters and $28,572 to replace fire hoses.

“These grants will help ensure our fire departments are properly staffed and equipped. I will continue working hard to ensure federal support and grant opportunities are available to all Rhode Island fire departments,” Reed said.

SAFER and AFG are competitive grant programs designed to aid fire departments and emergency medical service organizations in meeting their equipment, training, and other needs. Rhode Island fire departments and other first responders have won over $26 million in AFG awards since 2001 and $14.5 million in SAFER awards since 2005.

Photo courtesy: Portsmouth Fire Department