March 03, 2011

Rockefeller, Manchin Announce $50,730 Grant for Belle Fire Department

Federal funds awarded through Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin (both D-W.Va.), today announced that the Belle Fire Department in Kanawha County will receive $50,730 as part of the latest round of funding under the Fiscal Year 2010 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. This money will assist with operations and safety.

“First responders are on the front lines when it comes to protecting our communities and we thank them for the incredible service they provide,” said Rockefeller.  “This money will supply our brave first responders with the equipment and training needed in order to continue keeping us safe and secure.”

“I believe in our dedicated firefighters who ensure 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,” Manchin said. “These grants will provide our first responders – who sacrifice so much – with the equipment needed to make sure that they can quickly respond to West Virginians in times of need.”

For Fiscal Year 2010, the AFG program will award nearly $390 million in direct assistance to fire department and emergency medical service organizations to improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations and emergency response capabilities. Funding can be used to purchase response equipment, personal protective equipment and vehicles.

To date, 28 fire departments and one emergency medical service organization in West Virginia have received a total of $3,945,185 through the AFG program in Fiscal Year 2010. 

AFG grants are funded through the annual Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act. Rockefeller and Manchin have consistently supported funding for this and other grant programs to ensure adequate funding and resources for America’s first responders.  

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