CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced $1,114,984 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for fire safety in six West Virginia counties. The grants — awarded through FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program and Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant Program — will help local departments purchase equipment, recruit personnel and improve education and training programs.

“Every day, our first responders selflessly put the safety of others before their own,” Senator Capito said. “In order to effectively do their jobs, they deserve the very best training and equipment, and that is exactly what these grant awards will provide. I am thrilled to announce more funding to support departments across the state who work around the clock to keep our communities safe and our residents out of harm’s way.”

“Fire fighters and first responders risk their lives by selflessly running into smoke and flames,” Senator Manchin said. “They must be trained well and protected from unnecessary harm. That is why I am excited to announce these FEMA grants, so that our bravest public servants can continue to safely do their jobs while also returning home to their families each night.”

AFG awards are listed below:

  • $428,572 – Follansbee Volunteer Fire Department (Brooke County)
  • $65,135 – Hurricane Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. (Putnam County)
  • $52,381 – West Liberty Volunteer Fire Department (Ohio County) 

SAFER awards are listed below:

  • $62,300 – Valley Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. (Marion County)
  • $77,548 – Boggs Run Volunteer Fire Department (Marshall County)

FP&S awards are listed below:

  • $429,048 – Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association (Berkeley County)

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