East Providence Fire awarded two grants, Heavy Rescue Task Force in works

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) –  East Providence Fire Department was awarded the FY 2021 Homeland Security Grant and received $50,000, and the 2020 Homeland Security Grant as $25,000. Both were given through the Rhode Island Emergency Agency (RIEMA).

The grants will allow the East Providence Fire Dept. to begin new training programs and cover startup costs for the Technical Rescue Team, made up of members trained and certified to respond to technical rescue situations like high-angle rescues, confined spaces, and structural collapse situations.

“We are excited to be the host community for the East Bay Heavy Rescue Task Force,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “We are honored that RIEMA chose East Providence.”

In addition to the funding, East Providence Fire Department is now an official Heavy Rescue Task Force squad and will serve the entire East Bay area. The Rhode Island Heavy Rescue Task Force is separated by East Bay for East Providence Fire Department, and West Bay for Warwick Fire Department. When both come together they make the Rhode Island Heavy Rescue Task Force, a Type-4 Urban Search and Rescue Team asset for Rhode Island and beyond.

“We would like to thank RIEM for selecting East Providence Fire Dept. to serve as one of two Heavy Rescue Teams for RIEMA,” Chief Glenn Quick said. “It’s another proud day for EPFD and the citizens we serve every day.”