BOUCHER SECURES FEDERAL FUNDING FOR BLUEFIELD VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

$34,122 Federal Grant Will Enable Purchase of New Firefighting Equipment

            (Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Representative Rick Boucher announced today that, at his urging, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, through its Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, is providing a federal grant in the amount of $34,122 to the the Bluefield Volunteer Fire Department.  "This provision of federal funding will enable the purchase of new, larger fire hose for the Bluefield Volunteer Fire Department, which will provide an added measure of safety for Department members and the communities they serve," Boucher said.

            With the benefit of the federal funds, the Department will purchase 3,000 feet of new four-inch fire hose. Currently, the Department's largest fire hose is 2.5 inches in diameter. The larger fire hose will assist the Department's members to fight fires more efficiently.

The Bluefield Volunteer Fire Department provides fire protection to 50 square miles in Tazewell County including the Town of Bluefield and its surrounding areas. The Department has 25 members, all of whom serve on a voluntary basis.

            "I am pleased that the Department of Homeland Security has provided this funding to the Bluefield Volunteer Fire Department.  It is important to ensure that our fire and rescue personnel have access to the best equipment and today's announcement will help further this goal," Boucher concluded.                                                     

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