U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV) announced today that a grant of $12,607 has been awarded to the Barboursville Volunteer Fire Department in Cabell County to add to their vital service to our community.

"Our firefighters face a whole host of life-threatening circumstances when they are called to action," Rahall said. "These brave men and women protect our communities from fires and also help in many other situations. Being ready and capable of handling these situations helps get them safely back to their homes and their families."

The grant gives funding for the fire prevention program. The program includes public education and awareness activities, fire code enforcement activities, fire inspector certifications and other activities, purchase and installation of smoke alarms and fire suppression systems, wildland mitigation, and arson prevention and detection activities.

The funding comes from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA plans to distribute a total of $750 million in Assistance to Firefighters grants to support fire protection, vehicle purchase, and safety and prevention programs. Over 20,000 fire departments applied for assistance in one of three different programs: fire operations and firefighter safety, fire prevention, and firefighting vehicles.

"Our fire departments face dangerous work every day, and it is important that we help ensure the safety of our firefighters," Rahall said. "Our firefighters don't second guess putting their lives on the line to help keep us safe. It is important that we don't have second thoughts in keeping them safe as well."