FEDERAL GRANT AWARDED TO FOLSOM VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
Rep. McKinley applauds Wetzel County firefighters for service

Washington, D.C. – The Folsom Volunteer Fire Department of Wetzel County was awarded a $220,000 grant Friday from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The grant will be used to purchase a new fire engine, according to the Folsom Volunteer Fire Department.

“Congratulations to our volunteer firefighters in Folsom on receiving this critical assistance,” said Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV). “The Folsom Volunteer Fire Department makes plenty of sacrifices for their community in Weztel County, so it’s important that they be given the tools they need to keep us safe. I look forward to working with these brave first-responders and helping to ensure they have the resources necessary to protect our communities.”

“We volunteer as firefighters because we love the job and helping the people of Wetzel County,” said Jimmy Glasscock of the Folsom Volunteer Fire Department.  “This funding from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program comes at the perfect time to upgrade our vehicles and better assist those in our area.  The Folsom Volunteer Fire Department is very thankful for this grant and looks forward to continuing to serve our community.”

In keeping with his belief that volunteer firefighters comprise the backbone of many small communities throughout West Virginia, McKinley attended an event this past Saturday for the Fountain Volunteer Fire Company near Keyser. Several of the department’s three dozen volunteers were recognized for outstanding service during the last year.

Background:

The purpose of the AFG is to award grants directly to fire departments and EMS organizations that are unaffiliated with a hospital to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel. Using a competitive process that is overseen by fire service subject matter experts, AFG grants are awarded to applicants whose requests best address the priorities of the AFG Program. (1)

(1)  http://www.firegrantsupport.com/docs/2010_AFGguidance.pdf

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