Across the country, fire departments are facing shrinking budgets, forcing first responders to do more with less, even as calls for service continue to climb. The Seekonk Fire Department is no exception. Recent budget cuts have made it harder to replace worn-out equipment, purchase essential tools and maintain readiness for the life-threatening situations they respond to every day.
On Friday, August 9, Rocky’s Ace Hardware and DeWalt stepped in with a powerful show of support, donating more than $1,900 worth of professional-grade tools and equipment, nearly doubling the department’s original $1,000 request. The donation was presented in a ceremony at Rocky’s Ace Hardware in Seekonk, where firefighters expressed deep gratitude for the lifesaving impact the tools could have.
“This is about more than just donating tools. It’s about helping local heroes do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Rocco Falcone, president of Rocky’s Ace Hardware. “When we learned about the department’s needs, we knew we had an opportunity to partner with DeWalt and make an even bigger impact. Supporting first responders is part of our commitment to the communities we serve.”
The donation included:
- DeWalt 20V MAX XR Cordless Brushless Impact Driver and Hammer Drill
- (2) DeWalt 20V MAX XR 8 Ah Lithium-Ion Batteries
- DeWalt Tough System 2.0 Battery Charger Box
- Craftsman OVERDRIVE Mechanic’s Tool Set (Metric/SAE)
- Craftsman S2000 41 in. Steel Rolling Tool Cabinet
The Seekonk Fire Department responds to more than 3,800 calls annually, including medical emergencies, structure fires, hazardous materials incidents and technical rescues. With budget cuts affecting staffing, training and gear replacement, donations like this are critical to maintaining the high standard of safety the community depends on.
