Rahall: FEMA Funding Awarded for Ceredo, Kenova Firefighters

“I have long been an ardent supporter of federal funding to support public safety on the local level. While tightening our budgetary belt, we must stand united in support of critical investments in national priorities like our first responders,” said Rahall. “Firefighters are at the heart of daily life for all Americans. They are on the front lines in times of emergency – on call 24/7 – willing to lay down their lives each day for our communities. And, when we remind ourselves that many of our firefighters in southern West Virginia are volunteers, the meaning of these words becomes even more profound, barely describing the commitment made every day by our fellow West Virginians.”

 Kenova Volunteer Fire Department will receive $29,811 Assistance to Firefighter Grant to purchase thermal imaging cameras and chain saws.  Ceredo Volunteer Fire Department will receive $8,312 to provide training for firefighters.

The Operations and Safety grants are included in Round 12 of the competitive FY 2012 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program awarded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.  The funding can be used to obtain much-needed emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training.

The AFG program awards grants directly to local fire departments and Emergency Medical Service organizations to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel.  Since 2002, southern West Virginia has received more than $21 million through the FEMA FIRE grants programs.