April 28, 2017

Manchin and Capito Announce FEMA Firefighter Grants for Monongalia and Preston Counties

Grants Awarded to Fire Departments in Morgantown and Terra Alta

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV) today announced $419,342 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for fire departments in Morgantown and Terra Alta. The grants awarded through FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program will help local fire departments purchase new equipment.

"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 Monongalia and Preston Counties with the resources and equipment they need to properly respond to emergencies and continue to protect West Virginians.”

“In order to maintain safe communities throughout West Virginia, we must equip local fire departments with the tools they need,” Senator Capito said. “Anything we can do to make their jobs easier and safer is worthwhile, and I am glad to announce these important resources that will supply the equipment and training our local firefighters need.”

FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program provides essential equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources used to protect local communities.

Individual awards include:

  • $408,696 – West Virginia University (Monongalia County): Funding will be used to purchase new equipment, such as self-contained breathing apparatus’ (SCBA), simulators and tow vehicles.
  • $10,646 – Terra Alta Community Ambulance Squad, Inc. (Preston County): Funding will be used to purchase new Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

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