West Warwick Fire Dept Receives Grant For Thermal Imaging Cameras

By Alan Gray, NewsBlaze  

FEMA, The Federal Emergency Management Agency, awarded an Assistance to Firefighters Grant to the West Warwick Fire Department. The grant is to finance resources that help keep the town's residents safe.

Rhode Island Democrat Congressman Jim Langevin wrote to FEMA to encouraging consideration of a compelling request submitted by Chief Joseph Baris to update the department's equipment. Baris says the $16,200 wil help pay for thermal imaging cameras. Local firefighter, Don Johnson, was instrumental in writing the grant proposal.

Our first responders have made an extraordinary commitment to serving their communities. We owe them not only our gratitude, but also the tangible support they need to carry out their missions. I have been proud to offer any assistance I can to Chief Baris, who truly demonstrates an undying loyalty to the Department and the people of West Warwick.
- Congressman Jim Langevin

The AFG awards grants directly to fire departments and EMS organizations that are unaffiliated with a hospital, to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public, and first-responder personnel.

Grants are awarded to applicants whose requests best address the priorities of the AFG Program. The competitive review process is overseen by fire service subject matter experts,

According to FEMA, funding priorities and evaluation criteria were developed from recommendations provided by a criteria development panel composed of fire service professionals representing nine major fire service organizations, and feedback from non-fire-service organizations representing state and city governments.