2 West Virginia Fire Departments Get Assistance To Firefighters Grant 

Release Date: November 21, 2003
Release Number: R3-03-129

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, announced 134 grants to fire departments throughout the United States in the 23rd round of the 2003 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.

Included were 2 awards totaling $133,326 for communities in West Virginia, including grants to Keyser and Dunbar. To date, 55 West Virginia fire departments have received grants totaling more than $3.7 million.

"As the holiday season approaches, we're aware of the increased number of house fires due to unattended candles, overloaded electrical outlets and flammable decorations. It's important that families safeguard their homes against these fire hazards, but it's equally critical that our first responders have the equipment and training they need to save lives and property if threatened," said Brown. "President Bush, Homeland Security and FEMA are committed to providing firefighters with this direct financial support through the fire grant program."

This 23rd round of grants provides more than $10 million to help local fire departments fund the purchase of firefighting equipment, fund firefighter health and safety programs, enhance emergency medical services programs, and conduct fire prevention and safety programs. Since June, more than 5,800 fire departments have received nearly $406 million to support their role as first responders.

Grants have been made available to the following fire departments in West Virginia:

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), a division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), administers the Assistance for Firefighters Grant Program. A list of all award recipients is posted on the USFA web site at http://www.usfa.fema.gov/grants.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Friday, 21-Nov-2003 16:48:03