WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced that Virginia fire departments will receive $594,707 in federal funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. The AFG program supports local fire departments by providing funds for new equipment and training.  

“We are pleased to announce this critical funding to support Virginia’s brave firefighters. We must ensure they are always equipped with the tools and training necessary to keep them safe as they protect us from fires and other dangers in the community,” Warner and Kaine said.

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

• The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue will receive $348,431 in funding for training;
• The Galax Fire Department and Rescue will receive $45,455 in funding for new equipment;
• The Dungannon Volunteer Fire Department will receive $100,381 in funding for new equipment;
• The Lexington Fire and Rescue will receive $100,440 in funding for new equipment.

The primary goal of FEMA’s AFG program is to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire-related hazards by providing direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments, nonaffiliated Emergency Medical Services organizations and State Fire Training Academies for critically-needed resources to equip and train emergency personnel to recognized standards, enhance operations efficiencies, foster interoperability, and support community resilience.

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