Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Mayor Brett P. Smiley joined U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, U.S. Representative Gabe Amo, Providence Councilman Pedro Espinal and Providence Fire Chief Derek Silva today to announce two new rescue trucks that will replace Rescue 3 at the Branch Avenue Station and Rescue 4 at the Washington Street Station. The new vehicles will enhance the City’s emergency response and improve service for neighbors across Providence.
“These new rescues are a direct investment in the safety of our community and the dedicated firefighters keeping Providence safe,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “With these vehicles, our department can respond faster, operate more efficiently and continue providing the highest level of public safety in every neighborhood. I want to thank Chief Silva and our entire federal delegation for their support in making this important investment possible in the capital city.”
Rescue 3 and Rescue 4 are among the busiest EMS units in the nation, responding to a combined 12,179 calls for service in 2024. Last year, Rescue 3 handled 5,492 calls while Rescue 4 responded to 6,687.
“Rescue trucks are essential to the work our firefighters do every day, and these new vehicles will make a real difference in how we serve the community,” said Providence Fire Chief Derek Silva. “They provide greater reliability, safer conditions for our first responders and stronger support for neighborhoods across Providence. With the support of Mayor Smiley and our federal partners, we are better equipped to respond quickly and effectively to every emergency.”
The two rescues represent a combined investment of $635,622 in Providence public safety. Rescue 3, stationed at Branch Avenue, cost $317,811 and was funded through the Fire Department’s EMS billings revenue. Rescue 4, stationed at Washington Street, also cost $317,811 and was purchased through the FY21 Assistance to Firefighters Grant, which provided $235,334, with the city contributing the remaining $82,477.
“Providence firefighters and emergency personnel go above and beyond to serve the city’s residents and businesses and they deserve the best equipment available to do their jobs safely, efficiently, and effectively,” said Senator Jack Reed. “I am proud to work with my colleagues in the delegation to deliver critical federal resources that help to make significant upgrades like this one possible.”
“Providence’s first responders serve our capital city heroically, and we are always working to ensure they have the resources needed to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. “Bravo to Mayor Smiley and Chief Silva for delivering these new rescues for one of Rhode Island’s busiest fire departments.”
“Firefighters take incredible risks to protect Rhode Island’s communities. I am committed to fighting for the resources our fire departments need to be fully-staffed, highly-trained, and well-equipped,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “Thanks to these federal funds, Providence Fire will now have two new rescues on the street with state-of-the-art technology ready to help those in need.”
“Providence’s first responders are on the frontlines every day, putting themselves at risk to keep our community safe. These new and improved rescues will give them the tools they need to protect our families and neighborhoods at the highest level,” said Majority Leader Pedro Espinal. “City Council is proud to stand with our firefighters, the Mayor, and our federal delegation in making this investment in public safety and in the wellbeing of our community.”