February 02, 2012

Manchin, Rockefeller Announce $140,553 for Volunteer Fire Departments Across West Virginia

Washington, D.C. —  U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller (both D-W. Va.) announced today that three fire departments across West Virginia will receive $140,553 in funding through the Department of Homeland Security’s 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The funds will go toward operations and safety, and can be used to purchase training and personal protective equipment for wellness and fitness, as well as to make health and safety modifications to stations and facilities.

The following fire departments were awarded grants:

Nutter Fort Volunteer Fire Department ($61,370)

Kenova Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. ($68,210)

Walkersville Volunteer Fire Department ($10,973)

“I believe in our committed firefighters, who make sure that the people of West Virginia are safe and protected, and my experience working with the volunteer rescue squad in Marion County has allowed me to appreciate their hard work firsthand,” Senator Manchin said. “They wake up every day, leave their families at home and put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. These grants will provide our first responders – who sacrifice so much – with the tools needed to make sure that they can quickly respond to West Virginians in times of need.”   

“The people of West Virginia count on firefighters to be there for our communities – their jobs are some of the most important and skilled in the country,” said Rockefeller.  “I’m grateful that the money provided by this grant will supply our brave first responders with the tools and equipment they need to keep us safe and secure.”

AFG grants are funded through the annual Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act. During 2011, the AFG will award $380 million to first-responder organizations that need support to improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.

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