U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV) announced today that grants valuing $724,816 have been awarded to five fire departments across southern West Virginia to add to their vital service to our communities.

The grants are as follows:

* Bluestone Valley Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. in Spanishburg has been awarded $113,364 for operations and firefighter safety programs.
* Ona Volunteer Fire Department has been awarded $74,790 for operations and firefighter safety programs.
* Renick Volunteer Fire Department has been awarded $175,500 for a firefighting vehicle.
* Shavers Fork Fire Rescue, Inc. in Snowshoe has been awarded $207,000 for a firefighting vehicle.
* West Hamlin Volunteer Fire Department has been awarded $154,162 for operations and firefighter safety programs.

"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 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."