Providence Fire Department welcomes 16 new firefighters and a rescue vehicle.

Providence held a Monday ceremony to welcome 16 new firefighters funded by a $3.9 million federal grant, and leaders said a separate federal grant supported a new ambulance.

Providence city leaders and the Providence Fire Department held a ceremony to welcome 16 new firefighters and to note a newly funded rescue vehicle. The event took place Monday morning at 11:15 a.m. Officials said a $3.9 million federal grant allowed the department to hire the 16 recruits. A separate federal grant supported the acquisition of a new ambulance. Key facts: - Sixteen new firefighters were welcomed at a Monday event. - A $3.9 million federal grant funded the hires. - Leaders held the ceremony at 11:15 a.m. to recognize federal investments in public safety. - A separate federal grant supported the acquisition of a new ambulance. - Mayor Brett Smiley said the recruits will join the Providence Fire Department soon and help improve response time. Summary: The federal funding enabled immediate staff expansion and a newly funded rescue vehicle for the city's fire services. The 16 recruits are reported as set to join the department soon. Undetermined at this time.