BURRILLVILLE – The Pascoag Fire Department announced that the district has benefitted from grants totaling more than $75,000 since November, funds that have been used to purchase training and equipment.
The funds include a training grant for $2,425 from the Rhode Island State Firefighters’ League, used to hold Rapid Intervention Team training. The village district also received a mini grant for $150 from the league that was used for a risk management class.
The department received a grant for $38,782 from the Rhode Island Department of Transportation for new battery-operated extrication and stabilization equipment, commonly known as the “jaws of life.”
Deputy Chief Richard Peck thanked former Chief Marcel Fontenault – who recently took a job as deputy chief in Harrisville – for his work in securing the grant.
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management awarded PFD $2,500, used for helmets, glove, coats, and tools used to fight brush and woodland fires.
Peck thanked Rep. David Place for his help in securing a Rhode Island Legislative Grant for $2,100, used for an intake valve for a pumper, as well as several needed helmets.
A 2020 Enbridge Community Grant of $13,800 was used to purchase thermal imaging cameras, gas meters and gas detection equipment, and a second 2021 grant from Enbridge of $5,950 helped to secure training equipment.
Through a $10,000 Community Health Grant, the Pascoag Fire Department secured the needed equipment and personnel involved in an Integrated Mobile Health program.
Another grant for pediatric training was shared by several departments in northern Rhode Island.
“We are always looking for ways to improve our service, while maximizing the safety of our members,” Peck said. “This vital equipment and training aids us in carrying out our mission of service to this community, and we are extremely grateful for those who have assisted in procuring them.”
