While the current facility has quality instructors, according to Representative Lowe, it does not offer outdoor training facilities like Massachusetts possesses. Upon being contacted by Representative Lowe, Congressman Kennedy expressed an interest in the commission and organized a meeting between his District Director Richard McAuliffe, Representative Lowe, and commission members to learn more about the academy. Together with Congressman Kennedy and the commission, I am hoping that we will be able to find a way to help fund the construction of a fire academy that will benefit every firefighter in the state. Director McAuliffe met with Representative Lowe, commission member Rep. David Caprio, State Fire Marshal Irving J. Owens, Director of the Rhode Island Firefighting Academy Charlie Hall, North Smithfield Fire Chief Craig Beausoleil, and East Providence Fire Chief Gerald Bessette on Wednesday in the Pawtucket office to discuss the commission's goals and work performed by the commission thus far. Firefighting is such an honorable profession requiring tremendous amounts of courage and strength.
Firefighters deserve to be trained with the best equipment and resources available.
The belief held by Representative Lowe and Director McAuliffe is that by establishing a more improved, modern firefighting academy the firefighters will be better trained and the people of this state will be better protected. Their facility is amazing and I believe that our firefighters deserve the same type of facility. Although Representative Lowe was excited about meeting with Congressman Kennedy's office, he realizes that funding the facility will not be simple. We have explored several avenues to finance a newer facility and we will continue to do so. As always, your comments concerning this page are welcomed and appreciated.