Watch Hill Fire Department Adds 10 New Radios Through Community Donation

The Watch Hill Fire Department put 10 new Motorola all-band mobile radios into service following a donation from local residents Christopher and Cindy Galvin. The radios were bought for the department’s fire vehicles and are intended to enhance communication with nearby fire and EMS agencies, law enforcement, and regional mutual-aid partners in Rhode Island and Connecticut. The department stated that the donation came after an interaction between the Galvins and firefighters during an emergency response. 

The new equipment is included in Watch Hill Fire Department’s continuous effort to replace its radios. In 2024, the department spent over $200,000 to replace most of its portable radios, thanks to support from the Alfred M. Roberts Foundation and matching funds from Watch Hill Fire District taxpayers. The department stated that the upgrade of the portable radios marked the first significant replacement since 2001. 

Firefighters use portable radios during structure fires, medical emergencies, beach incidents, and marine rescues. The department stated that dependable radio communications play a crucial role in firefighter safety and managing incidents.