Grant to bolster Pawtucket Fire Dept.

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (AP) -- The cash-strapped city of Pawtucket is getting more than $4 million from the federal government to hire new firefighters and be better prepared for emergencies.

The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant will enable Pawtucket to restore its fire-fighting force to 146 after budget woes prevented city officials from filling vacant positions during the past three years. The federal funding will cover the costs of all pay and benefits for the new position over the next two years.

U.S. Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse will join U.S. Rep. David Cicilline, Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien and other city officials to announce the grant on Monday.

The city -- with a population of 71,000 -- has a liability of $378 million in other benefits for retired firefighters and police officers.