WRENTHAM — Town Administrator Kevin Sweet and Fire Chief Antonio Marino are pleased to report that the Wrentham Fire Department has been awarded a federal grant through the FY2020 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.
The grant, in the amount of $234,780.86, will be used for firefighter training and wellness for the Wrentham Fire Department. Specifically, funds will defray costs associated with training and certification in Emergency Vehicle Operations, Motor Pump Operations, and Scene Management/Safety Officer. Firefighter wellness initiatives are also part of the grant in the way of cancer prevention and specialized exercise equipment.
“We are extremely grateful to receive these funds to provide vital training and equipment for members of the Wrentham Fire Department,” Chief Marino said. “Because of the extraordinary collaborative efforts led by Capt. Kenneth Jefferson and the subject matter expertise of FF Devan Cornetta, Capt. Michael Wainwright, and Deputy Robert Maduskuie, we will continue to chisel a firm foundation through increased training and procurement through this federal funding opportunity. Additionally, I would like to thank the community, Town Administrator Kevin Sweet, and the various Boards for their unwavering support of our efforts.”
“These trainings will help bring our department into compliance with recommended National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and other national standards, will improve the effectiveness of firefighters performing their duties, reduce mistakes that may place firefighters in harm’s way, and generally increase our ability to respond to the needs of the community,” Chief Marino added.
The FY2020 AFG program is one of three grant programs that constitute the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) focus on enhancing the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards. The AFG Program accomplishes this by providing financial assistance directly to eligible fire departments, non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations, and State Fire Training Academies for critical training and equipment.
For more information on the FY2020 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, click here.
###
