In a press release from the State of Rhode Island (RI) General Assembly, a custom-made air/light fire truck will soon support multiple communities in Northern RI. At least 12 fire departments and districts will have access to the new unit, serving more than 460,000 Rhode Islanders.
Photo/Rhode Island House of Representatives Facebook
A $586,363 federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) award delivered by U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse made this possible, the press release shared. In addition, a $50,000 legislative grant from the Rhode Island House of Representatives was dedicated to the project, delivered by Representative Stephen M. Casey, a Woonsocket firefighter.
The unit is able to refill self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) cylinders, provide enhanced portable lighting, as well as a rehab area to keep firefighters cool in the summer and warm in the winter, a news article by The Breeze states. In addition, the truck has two extendable awnings and storage space.
Captain Matthew Dubois and Captain Brendon Adams of Woonsocket, Lieutenant Daniel Petrin of Central Falls, and Lieutenant Jason Dupont of Limerock shared to The Breeze that the process of designing this apparatus took nearly three years. Although there are air/light units in RI, Limerock Chief Timothy Walsh noted that there are no other trucks in the state with this level of performance and practicality.
Dupont stated in a news article that the truck is getting some finishing touches, but should be available for service in early July.
The post