ROCHESTER — The Rochester Fire Department was one of seven municipal emergency medical services organizations recently recognized as one of the first grant recipients from Southcoast Health’s EMS Support Grant Program.

The EMS Support Grant Program was first launched in May during National EMS Week with the goal of supporting organizations that provide direct patient care in the South Coast.

“With this program we are honored to be able to assist in the essential work they do every day,” said President and CEO of Southcoast Health David O. McCready. “At Southcoast Health, we see first-hand the exceptional services these EMS professionals provide our patients.”

In its initial year, the program was fully funded through Southcoast Health and awarded approximately $100,000 across seven municipal tax-exempt EMS organizations.

In addition to the Rochester Fire Department, these organizations are the Lakeville Fire Department, Town of Wareham EMS, Middletown Fire Department, Tiverton Fire Department, Freetown Fire Department and Dighton Fire Department.

Rochester Fire Chief Scott Weigel said the department is “incredibly grateful to Southcoast Health for their generous grant, which will significantly enhance our training capabilities, both in house and in the community.”

He added, “This most recent investment in high-fidelity training mannequins, CPR mannequins and AED trainers will enable our EMTs and Paramedics to be better prepared for real-world emergencies and expand our outreach efforts to our community.”