Manchin, Rockefeller Announce Federal Funding for Three WV Fire Departments
WASHINGTON D.C.— Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin today announced more than $909,000 in federal funding for three fire departments in West Virginia to purchase safety equipment, strengthen professional training and wellness programs, and update emergency vehicles.
“Making sure West Virginia’s firefighters are ready and able to respond to emergencies is so important for our communities,” said Rockefeller. “Whether it’s providing safety equipment to protect volunteer firefighters, or upgrading their fire trucks and emergency vehicles, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant funding helps local fire departments in big ways. When first responders volunteer to keep our homes and families safe, we must give them our full support and all the resources they need to do their job.”
“My past experiences working with the volunteer rescue squad in Marion County has allowed me to truly appreciate our dedicated volunteers at our local fire departments who help protect the health and safety of the people of West Virginia every day,” Manchin said. “These grants will provide the first responders and firefighters in Coalton, Scott Depot and Wellsburg with state-of-the-art protection and rescue equipment, as well as the professional training needed to keep our communities safe.”
Funding from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, a competitive grant program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), helps equip fire departments with personal protection equipment, rescue equipment, and emergency vehicles. It also helps fund professional training and equipment for wellness programs.
The below fire departments received the following awards:
• $50,967- Coalton Volunteer Fire Department—Coalton, WV: Coalton Volunteer Fire Department will use the funding to purchase new extrication equipment.
• $60,800- Teays Valley Volunteer Fire Department—Scott Depot, WV: Teays Valley Volunteer Fire Department will use the funding to replace their air compressor and other breathing equipment. They will also purchase a washer and dryer for their armor that will help them take better care of protective clothing.
• $798,000- Wellsburg Volunteer Fire Department—Wellsburg, WV: Wellsburg Volunteer Fire Department will use the funding to refurbish an aerial platform apparatus.
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