Rahall Announces Grant Opportunities for Firefighter Funding

BECKLEY, W.Va. – Continuing his efforts to support local fire departments, U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) Thursday announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will soon be accepting applications to its Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.

“Our State’s first responders understand the value of FEMA firefighter grants, which help to ensure our local fire departments and emergency response facilities have the tools and resources necessary to protect our communities and keep our families safe.  It has been quite a battle in Congress to preserve funding for this program and I encourage fire departments in our region to take full advantage of this funding opportunity,” said Rahall.

The AFG program awards grants directly to fire departments and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) organizations to obtain the tools and resources necessary to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel.  AFG funding can be used to hire staff and personnel and obtain much-needed emergency response equipment and training, as well as emergency vehicles.

The application period will open on Monday, November 3, at 8:00 a.m. and closes on Friday, December 5, at 5:00 p.m. Get Ready Guides and application materials are available at www.fema.gov/firegrants.

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