RAYNHAM — Raynham Fire Chief Bryan LaCivita, Bridgewater Fire Chief Michael MacDermott, and West Bridgewater Fire Chief Lincoln Thibeault are pleased to announce that the Raynham, Bridgewater and West Bridgewater Fire Departments have been awarded a regional Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The grant, totaling $101,703.59, will allow the three departments to send firefighter paramedics for training at PC Institute for Medical Education in Fall River. At the state-of-the-art simulation lab, firefighter paramedics will encounter life-like training scenarios that will allow them to hone their medical skills.
“Practicing and honing lifesaving skills is one of the most important parts of being a firefighter. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to do so at a training facility of this caliber thanks to this funding,” Chief MacDermott said.
The Raynham, Bridgewater and West Bridgewater Fire Departments wish to thank Bridgewater Capt. Glen Grafton, Bridgewater Lt. Jerry Wainio, and Bridgewater Executive Assistant Renee Rushton for their dedication in securing this grant.
“Achieving this funding would not have been made possible without the dedicated men and women who put time and effort into these grants,” Chief LaCivita said. “I would like to thank them, as well as FEMA, for giving us the opportunity to practice crucial skills, and ultimately better serve our communities.”
The departments also wish to thank Dr. Hank Crowley from the PC Institute for Medical Education for helping organize training.
“We are so thrilled to be awarded this grant alongside the Raynham and Bridgewater Fire Departments,” Chief Thibeault said. “This funding will allow our departments to train together, and attain valuable hands-on experience in the medical field.”
Assistance to Firefighters Grants
Assistance to Firefighters Grants are allocated to fire departments nationally to fund and aid the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations.
These federal grants help firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.
For more information on the AFG program, click here.
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