U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV) announced today that a $116,850 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant has been awarded to the Webster Springs Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) for the purchase of new Self Contained Breathing Apparatus air packs.

"Our firefighters face a whole host of life-threatening circumstances when they are called to action," Rahall said.  “This funding will help ensure that authorities have the critical support equipment they need to protect the homes and families of Webster Springs.”

“I’m very pleased to receive this funding,” said Don McCourt, Webster Springs VFD Deputy Fire Chief.  “We are a small, volunteer fire department in rural West Virginia.  Without the help of Congressman Rahall and this grant, we would be hard-pressed to support our firefighters and keep the department going.”

The funding comes from the DHS Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program.  Since 2004, more than $2.75 billion in grants through the AFG program have been awarded to fire departments and other first-responder organizations to purchase response equipment, personal protective equipment, and vehicles.