WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced $3,122,210 million in federal funding for five Virginia fire departments through Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The funding, which will go to fire departments in Roanoke, Roanoke County, Dungannon, Clinchco, and Prince George, will be award through FEMA’s Assistant to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) programs.

“We are pleased to announce this essential funding to support fire departments and fire fighters in communities across Virginia,” the Senators said. “These grants will help each fire department update and purchase new equipment and support staffing needs, which strengthens their ability to keep Virginians safe.”

The following Virginia fire departments will receive funding under the AFG program:

• The Roanoke Fire-EMS will receive $1,000,000 in funding to purchase self-contained breathing apparatus equipment and upgrade their accountability system,
• The Dungannon Volunteer Fire Department will receive $261,905 in funding to purchase a new tanker and;
• The Clinchco Volunteer Fire Department will receive $168,000 in funding to purchase self-contained breathing apparatus equipment;

The following Virginia fire departments will receive funding under the SAFER program:

• The Roanoke County Fire and Rescue will receive $1,084,206 to support staffing needs and;
• The Prince George Fire & EMS will receive $611,099 to support staffing needs.

The primary goal of FEMA’s AFG program is to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters by providing direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments, nonaffiliated Emergency Medical Services organizations and State Fire Training Academies for critically-needed resources. The primary goal of SAFER is to enhance the local fire departments’ ability to comply with staffing, response, and operational standards. FEMA’s SAFER program specifically provides funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase or maintain the number of trained firefighters available in their communities.

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