September 16, 2016

Manchin and Capito Announce FEMA Firefighter Grants

Grants Awarded to Fire Departments in Bruceton Mills, Lewisburg, Morgantown, Princeton, Weston and Winfield

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) announced $1,095,694 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for fire safety in Bruceton Mills, Lewisburg, Morgantown, Princeton, Weston and Winfield. The grants awarded through FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) Grant Program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program will help local fire departments purchase equipment and recruit personnel.

"Our brave firefighters and ‎first responders put their lives on the line every day to keep West Virginia communities safe,” Senator Manchin said. "I witnessed their hard work and commitment firsthand from my experience working with the Marion County Volunteer Fire Department. This funding will provide volunteer fire departments in Weirton, Mason and Jefferson with the resources and equipment they need to properly respond to emergencies and continue to protect West Virginians.”

“In order to keep our communities safe, local fire departments must be prepared with trained personnel and up-to-date equipment. I am glad to announce more than $1 million from FEMA to help fire departments in these six West Virginia communities meet their staffing and equipment needs. West Virginians will be safer as a result of this funding,” said Senator Capito.

FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program aims to help meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments. Through funding assistance, the program helps fire departments enhance their ability to protect both the public and first responders from fire and related hazards.

The SAFER Grant Program is a competitive grant program administered by FEMA with the goal of enhancing a local fire department’s ability to comply with staffing, response and operational standards established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Individual awards are listed below:

AFG Grants:

  • $12,818 – Bruceton-Brandonville Volunteer Fire Department
  • $171,905 – Green Valley Glenwood Volunteer Fire Department
  • $452,174 – West Virginia University
  • $50,065 – Winfield Volunteer Fire Department

SAFER Grants:

  • $176,900 – Lewisburg Volunteer Fire Department
  • $231,832 – Weston Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.

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