Hot news for Warwick firefighters: Feds deliver $93,660 grant

Warwick - Christmas is coming early this year for the Warwick Fire Department. U.S. Rep. Sue Kelly announced Wednesday that the all-volunteer department will receive $93,660 in federal funds to help boost local firefighting operations and safety measures. The federal money for Warwick was secured through a program within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The funds can be used for firefighter training, firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment and upgrades to fire stations and facilities. The Warwick Fire Department has earmarked the funds to purchase a new cascade system, personal protective equipment and pagers, said a department spokesman. Part of the money will be used to replace the department's aging and obsolete cascade system. Cascade systems are used to store oxygen for refilling self-contained breathing apparatus which firefighters use in smoky and toxic environments. A portion of the funds also will be used to purchase personal protective equipment including helmets, coats, bunker pants and boots. The remainder will be used to purchase pagers to alert volunteers in the event of an alarm. The Warwick Fire Department has 125 active members in four companies—the Excelsior Hose, the Goodwill Hook and Ladder, the Raymond Hose and Engine Company #3. In 2004, the department responded to more than 300 alarms, which included everything from fires to floods to car accidents. This year, because of the flooding in April, the company expects to exceed 400 calls. The grant writer Lenny Curcio completed the application for the grant.