U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV) announced Friday that $822,000 has been awarded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to the Kimball Volunteer Fire Department to implement an Interoperable Communications system serving 25 Volunteer Fire Departments in Mercer and McDowell Counties.

“One of the major problems that occur during disasters is that agencies cannot communicate with each other,” said Rahall.  “This funding will streamline communications between southern West Virginia’s Police, Fire, EMS, and other first responders in the event of an emergency and allow for better emergency service for area residents on a daily basis.”

This funding will be used by the 25 volunteer fire departments in McDowell and Mercer Counties to enhance their communications and response capabilities by purchasing equipment to implement an Interoperable Communications system.  The equipment to be purchased will allow these departments to become part of the West Virginia Interoperable Radio System, currently being built by the State of West Virginia to enhance communications between first responders at all levels of government and certain aspects of the private sector.

“The volunteer fire service in McDowell and Mercer Counties are extremely grateful to Congressman Rahall for his support in helping us obtain this much needed funding,” said Kimball Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jimmy Gianato.  “The Congressman has always been a true friend to us and supportive of our first responders. Without his assistance it would have taken years for these departments that have responded to so many disasters over the last few years to obtain this critical equipment.”

“The successful emergency response to the recent explosion in Ghent and flooding in McDowell County highlights the importance of emergency personnel’s ability to quickly communicate with each other and tap into statewide emergency resources,” said Rahall.  “I am proud to be able to assist southern West Virginia’s firefighters in their continuing efforts to protect our homes and families.”