BOUCHER SECURES FEDERAL FUNDING FOR BLUEFIELD VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

$37,532 Federal Grant Will Enable Purchase of New Firefighting Equipment

            (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Representative Rick Boucher announced today that, at his urging, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, through its Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, is providing a federal grant in the amount of $37,532 to the Bluefield Volunteer Fire Department.

            “This provision of federal funding will enable the Bluefield Volunteer Fire Department to purchase new equipment, providing an added measure of safety for its members,” Boucher said.

            With the benefit of the federal funds, the Bluefield Volunteer Fire Department will purchase 26 new pagers that will allow Department members to be notified when an emergency occurs. The new pagers will replace older models currently in use by the Department.

            Additionally, the Department will purchase new extrication equipment to replace outdated equipment currently in use. Finally, the federal funds will enable the Department to acquire stabilization equipment, which is used to stabilize both vehicles and collapsed structures at the scene of an emergency.

The Bluefield Volunteer Fire Department provides fire protection to an area 51 square miles in size including the Town of Bluefield and the surrounding areas of Tazewell County.  The Department has 26 members, all of whom serve on a voluntary basis.

            "I am pleased that the Department of Homeland Security has provided this funding to the Bluefield Volunteer Fire Department. It is important to ensure that our fire and rescue personnel have access to the best equipment and today’s announcement will help further this goal," Boucher concluded.                                                           

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