July 18, 2013

Manchin, Rockefeller, Rahall Announce Federal Funding For Volunteer Fire Departments In Princeton and Wheeling

WASHINGTON D.C. --- Senators Joe Manchin and Jay Rockefeller as well as Congressman Nick Rahall (all D-WV), today announced $73,081 in total federal funding for the Green Valley-Glenwood and Sherrard Volunteer Fire Departments to improve operations and safety and fire prevention.

“West Virginians count on local firefighters and first responders to keep their families and communities safe every day,” said Manchin, who has worked in the past with the volunteer rescue squad in Marion County. “It is critical that these dedicated volunteers, who are often the first on the scene, are properly trained and equipped to respond quickly to emergency situations. I am pleased that the Sherrard and Green Valley-Glenwood Volunteer Fire Departments are receiving this funding to help them better serve and protect West Virginians.”


“We need to make sure our volunteer firefighters in Princeton and Wheeling have access to the best available safety equipment before they’re called to duty,” said Rockefeller. “This funding will make sure their own safety is not compromised when they’re handling fires and public safety situations. I can’t think of a better investment in the safety and well being of these communities.”


“Federal investments in national priorities like our first responders are vitally important to ensure public safety in our communities, especially in tight budgetary times. Volunteer firefighters like Green Valley-Glenwood deserve our best efforts in providing them with the resources and equipment they need to do their job, and to get them safely back home to their families,” said Rahall, top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee which holds jurisdiction over FEMA.


The below fire departments received the following awards:

• $51,810 – Sherrard Volunteer Fire Department – Wheeling, WV: Sherrard Volunteer Fire Department will use the funding for fire prevention initiatives.

• $21,271 – Green Valley-Glenwood Volunteer Fire Department – Princeton, WV: Green Valley-Glenwood Volunteer Fire Department will use the funding to purchase new, higher-quality bunker gear, which refers to the outer protective clothing that firefighters wear, including trousers, boots, and jackets.

Funding from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, a competitive grant program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), helps organizations obtain emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, and firefighting and emergency vehicles. It also helps fund professional training and equipment for wellness programs.


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