RANSON — Independent Fire Company received grant funds totaling $186,667 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), according to a press release issued Monday.
All of the grant money, which the company applied for in January, will be used for replacement air packs, which are breathing devices firefighters use, according to Independent Fire Company President Aaron Watson.
U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and Joe Manchin, D-W.Va. announced Assistance to Firefighters Grant awards, which total $887,145, in a joint press release.
Watson said the air packs are coming up on 15 years of usage, which is roughly the lifespan of the devices. Air packs cost approximately $5,000 to $6,000 a piece.
The funds are expected to be deposited within three weeks.
"We have had a few vendors come in within the past several months, and we'll bring them back in soon," Watson said. "We'll pick one out within the next month or two, and it will probably take a few more months to manufacture (the air packs)."
Watson said he hopes the firefighters should receive new air packs sometime in late summer, or early fall.
The company will have to provide the federal funding with a 5 percent match, which equals roughly $9,000.
"In order to keep our communities safe, West Virginia's emergency responders must be equipped with the resources needed to help save lives. This funding will help firefighters respond quickly and efficiently to emergency situations, and help ensure the safety of those on the front lines," Capito said in the press release.
Along with Independent Fire Company, Springfield Valley Volunteer Fire Company in Hampshire County received $45, 239, and Mineral Wells Volunteer Fire Department in Wood County received $655,239.
"Our dedicated firefighters and first responders voluntarily put their lives on line each and every day to keep the people of West Virginia safe," Manchin said in the Monday press release. "I witnessed their hard work and commitment firsthand from my experience working with the Marion County Volunteer Fire Department. This funding will provide local volunteer fire departments in Springfield, Mineral Wells and Ranson with the resources and equipment they need to properly respond to emergencies and continue to protect West Virginians."