Senators Jay Rockefeller and Robert C. Byrd announced last week that the Racine VFD would receive a $125,615 through round eight of the 2006 program year.
"The bravery and fortitude of West Virginia's firefighters are truly commendable-and the service they provide in protecting our communities is simply invaluable," Rockefeller said. "For this courage and hard work to result in quick emergency response, firefighters must have the resources they need to do their job. That's why this grant is so important to the Racine Volunteer Fire Department and this community."
According to department rescue captain Steve Hensley, the grant will go toward new equipment for the members.
"We are going to use the money to buy new bunker gear for each of our members," he said.
In the past year, the department has answered over 250 calls, according to Assistant Chief Warren Coon.
"We stay pretty busy through the year," he said. "New equipment is always a good thing."
Racine joins departments including Madison, Wharton-Barrett and Spruce River as one of the departments in the county to receive this grant.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is administered through the Department of Homeland Security's Preparedness Directorate Office of Grants and Training, in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.
"In West Virginia, many fire departments are staffed by volunteers, people who have full-time jobs elsewhere but are always prepared to set those jobs aside when the fire alarm rings. These men and women who put themselves in harm's way to protect their communities deserve the best resources available.
$485 million in AFG grants will be awarded to fire departments across the country during the 2006 Fiscal Year.
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