WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine praised grant funding for seven Virginia fire departments through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), totaling $1,482,078 . The funding, which will go to fire departments in Montross, Newport, Ivanhoe, Abingdon, Coeburn, Dungannon, and Bloxom, will be awarded through FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. 

“Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. We are pleased they will receive federal dollars to support them as they help keep Virginians safe,” the Senators said. 

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

• The Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department Inc. in Montross will receive $81,280 to update its source capture exhaust system technology.
• The Simmonsville Volunteer Fire Department in Newport will receive $240,000 to purchase self-contained breathing apparatus equipment. 
• The Ivanhoe Volunteer Fire Department in Wythe County will receive $72,858 to purchase personal protective equipment. 
• The Abingdon Fire Department in Washington County will receive $778,910 to purchase self-contained breathing apparatus equipment. 
• The Coeburn Volunteer Fire Department in Wise County will receive $85,715 to purchase personal protective equipment. 
• The Dungannon Volunteer Fire Department in Scott County will receive $61,410 to purchase personal protective equipment. 
• The Bloxom Volunteer Fire Company in Accomack County will receive $161,905 to purchase self-contained breathing apparatus equipment.  

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.

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