BOUCHER SECURES FEDERAL FUNDING FOR MARION VOLUNTER FIRE DEPARTMENT

$5,700 Federal Grant Will Enable Purchase of New Safety 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 $5,700 to the Marion Volunteer Fire Department for the purchase of new safety equipment.

            “This provision of federal funding will enable the purchase of new equipment for the Marion Volunteer Fire Department, which will provide an added measure of safety for Department members as they respond to emergencies in Smyth County,” Boucher said.

            With the benefit of the federal funds, the Marion Volunteer Fire Department will purchase two Rapid Intervention Pack (RIP) units, which supply additional air supply to a firefighter who has been injured or trapped while in a burning structure. The RIP units contain more oxygen than other Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units. The new RIP units will replace older models currently in use by the Department, which are no longer in compliance with safety regulations.

The Marion Volunteer Fire Department provides fire protection to the Town of Marion and the surrounding areas in Smyth County. The Department has 29 members, all of whom serve on a voluntary basis.

            "I am pleased that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has provided this funding to the Marion 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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