The Rhode Island Delegation delivered a $22 million federal grant to local fire departments on Friday. According to officials, the grant will be used to hire 56 new firefighters in Providence and East Providence. The funding will also support local volunteer fire departments across the state in recruiting and retaining volunteer firefighters. “Increasing firefighter staffing levels helps increase public safety and expands emergency response capabilities. This is a smart investment that will support firefighter recruitment and retention and help communities add more firefighters to the ranks,” U.S. Sen. Jack Reed said. According to federal leaders, the SAFER grant is being awarded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and aims to enhance local fire departments’ abilities to comply with the national standard.