(Warwick, R.I.) Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today announced funding for the Westerly Ambulance Corps and the Kingstown Fire District through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The award comes out of the DHS Office of Grants and Training.

“This competitively awarded funding allows local first responders to purchase equipment needed to enhance daily operations and improve emergency responses,” said Langevin, a member of the Homeland Security Committee. “Giving agencies the discretion to make improvements beyond their standard equipment only makes for safer communities.” 

The Westerly Ambulance Corps will receive $23,738, and the Kingstown Fire District will receive $446,782.

The purpose of the AFG program is to award grants directly to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service (EMS) organizations. These awards aim to enhance a first responder’s ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of their first responder personnel, with respect to fire-related hazards. Using a competitive process overseen by fire service experts, DHS awards grants to applicants whose requests best address the priorities of the AFG program.

For fiscal year 2006, DHS will award approximately $485 million to fire departments and EMS organizations nationwide.

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