April 01, 2011

Rockefeller, Manchin Announce $74,034 in Grants for Shavers Fork Fire Rescue and Glen Dale Volunteer 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 Shavers Fork Fire Rescue in Pocahontas County will receive $57,884 and that the Glen Dale Volunteer Fire Department in Marshall County will receive $16,150 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 and firefighters are the backbones for our public safety. With these much-needed grants they will be better equipped to protect the people of these communities,” said Rockefeller. “These funds represent an important commitment by the federal government to make sure our first responders have everything they need to do their crucial, life-saving jobs.”

“I believe in our dedicated firefighters, who ensure the health and safety of the people of West Virginia, and my experience working with the volunteer rescue squad in Marion County has allowed me to appreciate their hard work firsthand,” Senator Manchin said. “This funding will provide our first responders – who sacrifice so much – with the tools needed to make sure that they can promptly 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, 36 fire departments and one emergency medical service organization in West Virginia have received a total of $4,593,203 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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