WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced that Virginia fire departments will receive $407,784 in federal funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. The Virginia Department of Fire Programs will receive $267,022 in funding for the State Fire Training Academy, and the Appalachia Fire Department in the Town of Appalachia will receive $140,762.  

“Our firefighters put themselves in harm’s way every day. It’s critical that the federal government provides them with the tools necessary to carry out their duties safely and effectively,” the Senators said.   “These grants will strengthen Virginia fire departments’ abilities to protect communities across the Commonwealth from fire and other hazards.”

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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