February 09, 2011

Rockefeller, Manchin Applaud More Than $92,000 in Grants for McMechen and Culloden Volunteer Fire Departments

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – United States Senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin (both D-W.Va.), today applauded funding that will reach two West Virginia fire departments. McMechen Volunteer Fire Department in Marshall County and Culloden Volunteer Fire Department in Cabell County will receive $92,098 in funds as part of the 10th round of funding under the Fiscal Year 2010 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. The McMechen Volunteer Fire Department will receive $83,643 and the Culloden Volunteer Fire Department will receive $8,455. This money will assist with operations and safety.

“The people of West Virginia count on firefighters to be there for our communities – their jobs are among the most important and skilled in the country,” said Rockefeller. “They deserve access to the best gear, training and other materials they need to do their important jobs. This money is going to help supply our brave firefighters with the tools and equipment they need and that is great news.”

“West Virginians’ health and safety are often protected by the dedicated volunteers at our local fire departments,” Manchin said. “This grant will provide them with the essential resources to continue keeping all of us safe.”

For Fiscal Year 2010, the AFG program will award nearly $340 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, 16 fire departments in West Virginia have received a total of $2,475,026 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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