3 W.Va. volunteer fire departments to split $113K grant

By Karissa Blackburn
The Logan Banner

LOGAN, W.Va. — A local fire department is receiving federal funding to assist in a much needed project.

Congressman Nick Rahall announced Thurs., July 31 that a total of $113,600 in funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is being awarded to three volunteer fire departments in Logan and Greenbrier Counties.

The Logan Co. fire department receiving the funding is the Henlawson Volunteer Fire Department. HVFD is being awarded $40,600 for the purchase of an air compressor fill station.

"I continue to fight to ensure that emergency response and preparedness programs are fully funded, so that resources are available to assist our firefighters in buying much needed safety equipment. We must do all that we can to strengthen the ability of our firefighters to safely and efficiently do their vital work of saving lives and property," said Rahall, top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has jurisdiction over Federal emergency management and response.

The other two fire departments in question belonged to Greenbrier County: the Lewisburg Volunteer Fire Department will receive $70,000 for the purchase of a new fire hose and thermal imaging cameras and the Frankford Volunteer Fire Department is being awarded $3,000 for the purchase of flashlights to assist operations and response capabilities.

These funds are made possible by the program, which Rahall advocates and supports.

FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grants are awarded to fire departments to enhance their ability to protect the public and fire service personnel from fire and related hazards. Start learning about the three grants programs below and utilize the provided resources to help prepare and submit grant requests.

Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.

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(c)2014 The Logan Banner (Logan, W.Va.)

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