Fire Grant will Upgrade Cranston Fire Department's Lifesaving Equipment

CRANSTON, RI—Cranston firefighters responding to emergency calls will be using new cardiac monitors and defibrillators thanks to a $118,935 fire grant steered their way via the state's federal delegation.

U.S. Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse along with Congressman Jim Langevin announced the grant today.

The money was available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, according to the federal delegation.

The grant will enable the Cranston Fire Department to replace outdated units that have been in service for 13 years.

The literally lifesaving tools will help the busy department better respond to emergency calls—and they'll be put to immediate, good use. The department responds to 15,000 calls per year. Of those, 80 percent are medical or EMS related.

“The Cranston Fire Department is committed to providing advanced life support level service to our citizens. The new monitors give our personnel the latest technology to perform most effectively within the community,” Cranston Fire Department Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Director Paul A. Casey.

In prepared remarks, Langevin, Whitehouse and Reed lauded firefighters for their work protecting property and lives while risking their own.

"At a time of constrained budgets, I commend the Cranston Fire Department for their hard work to win this competitive grant, and extend my appreciation to all firefighters who put their lives on the line serving our communities,” said Reed, who supported the Department’s application for the grant funding in a letter to FEMA. Senator Reed leads an annual fire grant workshop to help fire departments across the state apply for similar competitive federal assistance.

“We need to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of our first responders and make sure they have the right equipment to do their job,” Whitehouse said. He too wrote a letter in support of the Department’s grant application. “Congratulations to the Cranston Fire Department on this award.”

“Public safety in Rhode Island has been significantly improved, and fire departments strengthened, thanks to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program,” Langevin said. “Firefighters are often first on a scene, and the four new cardiac monitors purchased with these funds will allow them to better assess patients in distress and act accordingly, potentially saving lives in Cranston and beyond. Congratulations to the Cranston Fire Department on winning this competitive award.”