More than $20 million has been awarded in federal funding for fire departments, localities and organizations to assist the first responders throughout Virginia.
U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) supported legislation that reauthorized the Assistance for Firefighters and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Resources grant programs.
The AFG and SAFER grant programs are used by fire departments and localities to address staffing needs, purchase equipment, develop fire training and education programs and improve emergency medical services.
“Every day, Virginia’s firefighters risk their lives to help and protect our communities,” said the senators in a joint statement. “We are pleased to announce more than $20 million in federal funding that will go towards ensuring our fire departments have the support, training and resources they need.”
Assistance for Firefighters grants
The AFG program helps firefighters and other first responders obtain equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.
A total of $3,832,551 was awarded to 17 Virginia localities and fire departments.
The grants are awarded as follows:
- County of Shenandoah: $996,363
- County of Louisa: $409,298
- Woolwine Volunteer Fire Department: $408,000
- County of Chesterfield: $400,000
- Bachelors Hall Volunteer Fire Department: $237,482
- Town of Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department: $225,047
- Alberta Volunteer Fire Department: $188,320
- Prince Edward District Court: $135,069
- Fork Mountain Volunteer Fire Department: $132,190
- Town of Wytheville Town Hall: $114,285
- City of Virginia Beach: $110,000
- Appalachia Volunteer Fire Department: $108,095
- Bloxom Volunteer Fire Department: $107,333
- City of Chesapeake: $93,947
- City of Petersburg: $74,890
- Bassett Volunteer Fire Company: $58,083
- Simmonsville Volunteer Fire Department: $34,149
Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grants
The SAFER grant program provides funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase or maintain the number of trained, front-line firefighters available in their communities.
A total of $15,951,761 was awarded to seven Virginia localities and fire departments.
The grants are awarded as follows:
- County of Fauquier: $4,500,635
- Loudoun Fire Rescue Emergency: $3,977,814
- County of Shenandoah: $3,444,108
- County of Louisa: $1,698,974
- City of Roanoke: $1,197,887
- City of Winchester: $874,343
- Bedford Volunteer Fire Department: $258,000
Fire Prevention and Safety grants
The FP&S grants are part of the AFG grant program and support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The primary goal is to reduce injury and prevent death among high-risk populations.
A total of $654,896 was awarded to two Virginia fire departments and organizations.
The grants are awarded as follows:
- International Society of Fire Service Instructors: $654,762
- South Hill Volunteer Department: $10,134
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Crystal Graham
