CONGRESSMAN BOUCHER ANNOUNCES $39,000 FOR THE KNOX CREEK VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Federal Grant Will Be Used to Purchase New Firefighting Equipment

            (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Representative Rick Boucher announced today that, at his urging, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, through its Rural Development Agency, is providing a federal grant in the amount of $39,000 to the Knox Creek Volunteer Fire Department for the purchase of new firefighting equipment.  

“The federal funds which I am announcing today will enable the Knox Creek Volunteer Fire Department to update some of its aging firefighting equipment, providing an added measure of safety for the Department’s members as they protect the residents of Buchanan County,” Boucher said.

            With the benefit of the federal funds, the Knox Creek Volunteer Fire Department will purchase new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units for the department’s members. The new SCBAs will replace older models currently in use by the Department’s members. The total cost of the new units is $52,000. In addition to the federal funding, Buchanan County is providing a match of $13,000.

            The Knox Creek Volunteer Fire Department provides fire protection to the community of Hurley and the surrounding areas of Buchanan County. The department has 20 members, all of whom serve on a voluntary basis.

            “I am pleased that the Rural Development Agency is providing federal funding to assist the Knox Creek Volunteer Fire Department in purchasing new firefighting equipment. It is important to ensure the safety of our fire and rescue personnel by providing the best equipment possible. Today’s announcement of federal funding is a necessary step in protecting the people who protect us," Boucher said.