Communities cutting off mutual aid to Providence

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Unless Providence ponies up some money, Johnston, North Providence and East Providence said they are cutting off mutual aid to the capital city.

During a news conference Thursday, the communities announced they will be pulling their mutual aid services to Providence 60 days from today.

Back in May, the mayors asked that Providence pay $500 each time its police or fire departments call for mutual aid from surrounding communities.

At $1,000 for each run, the mayors said their communities could no longer afford to send mutual aid, unless Providence shared in the cost. Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena said his town alone responds to 500 mutual aid calls from Providence each year.

Since that initial announcement, and despite a June 15 deadline, the municipalities said they have had no response from Providence.

In the past, Providence's Public Safety Commissioner said the capital city also can't afford to shell out money for each mutual aid response.