WHFD Places New Ballistic Gear Into Service Thanks to Local Grant Program

 
By Assistant Chief Christopher Koretski
June 25, 2026
 

The Watch Hill Fire Department is proud to announce that 16 sets of ballistic protective gear have officially been placed into service.

Thanks to the generous support of the Alfred M. Roberts Foundation, the Department was able to purchase this equipment earlier this year, providing an additional layer of protection for our firefighters. In an ever-changing world, our chiefs recognized the importance of being prepared to respond to active threat incidents within our community and alongside our mutual aid partners, both on land and on the water.

To ensure our members are fully prepared, the Department has been training with Josh Chiarini, a highly decorated Navy Corpsman, Rhode Island firefighter, and a Director with the Training, Innovation & Leadership Institute. This training has focused on the proper use of the new equipment and the procedures associated with the Rescue Task Force model, enabling our firefighters to respond rapidly and help save lives during hostile incidents. This training will continue into the Fall with several large-scale, hands-on training drills.

We are also working closely with our partners at the Westerly Police Department, the WPD Special Response Team, and the Westerly Ambulance Corps to continue joint training efforts and enhance the safety and effectiveness of our personnel.

The Department is extremely grateful to the Alfred M. Roberts Foundation, the Watch Hill Fire District, and our partner agencies for their support in making this important investment possible. We are equally proud of our members, who continually rise to meet new challenges and remain committed to protecting our residents and visitors, regardless of the risks involved.

Together, we are working to ensure that our community remains as safe and prepared as possible.