The Augusta Volunteer Fire Department was among 29 fire departments in the state, six first responder organizations, five city governments and one university in the state to receive funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, according to an announcement Friday from Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee.
The grants were awarded through FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program and will support local fire departments and first responders. As the former chair of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, Sen. Capito has long-supported robust funding for this impactful program at FEMA.
Capito wrote a letter of support for the $261,463.28 grant to the Augusta Volunteer Fire Company. Todd Hott said Tuesday that the grant was actually a shared one between Augusta and Romney and would go toward the purchase of new radios.
“Our dedicated first responders keep West Virginia communities safe,” Capito said. “In order for these brave men and women to do their jobs safely and effectively, they need the proper tools and training to prepare. These resources will help provide these professionals and volunteers with skills and equipment that is essential to saving lives, and I was proud to play a role in securing these funds.”