WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) today announced $835,097 in federal funding for the Berkeley County Fire Service Board to help recruit and train more firefighters and improve the safety of the Berkeley County community.
“The hardworking and dedicated firefighters in our communities are often first on the scene in an emergency, making sure that the people of West Virginia are safe,” Senator Manchin said. “Thanks to this SAFER grant, the Berkeley County Fire Service Board will be able to hire and train new firefighters throughout the area, which will help our fire departments respond to emergencies more effectively and efficiently.”
“This SAFER Award for the Berkeley County Fire Service Board will provide essential financial support and assist with recruitment efforts for eight volunteer fire departments and substations throughout Berkeley County,” said Senator Capito. “Our brave fire fighters risk their lives to keep local West Virginia communities and families safe, and I am glad to join with Senator Manchin to announce this important funding.”
The funding comes from the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program, a competitive grant program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The goal of SAFER is to enhance the local fire departments' abilities to comply with staffing, response and operational standards established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
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