NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI) — The New Bedford Fire Department has been awarded $68,000 in federal grant funds to boost training on rescuing people from stalled elevators.

The department will bring in experts on elevator rescues to help meet training standards established by the National Fire Protection Association.

"With new buildings rising in the city, our fire department must be equipped to handle the challenges that come with them,” Mayor Jon Mitchell said. "I’m thankful to FEMA for providing the resources that will strengthen our emergency response capabilities."

Last year, firefighters responded to 33 calls for people stuck in elevators, including some having medical emergencies.

"Elevator rescue situations carry significant risk to both the victims and the firefighters," Fire Chie

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