Congressman Rahall (D-W.Va.) announced yesterday that federal funding has been awarded to City of Logan Fire Department to help the force strengthen their operations, safety and response capabilities.
“Our firefighters face a host of life-threatening circumstances when they are called to action,” Rahall said. “These fire grants are critical support for our communities, especially in tight budgetary times, helping to ensure our firefighters are ready and capable of handling emergency situations with the resources and equipment needed to do their job, and to get them safely back home to their families.”
The City of Logan Fire Department will receive $95,000 Assistance to Firefighter Grant to purchase and install a diesel exhaust system and fire suppressing sprinkler system to complete a facilities upgrade of the fire station to meet with current State building and fire codes.
“We are thankful for the support Congressman Rahall gives us,” said Chief Scott Beckett, who leads the 32-member Logan Fire Department. “The congressman has been to our station, met with us and knows our needs. He is very hands-on and we are blessed to have him.”
Lt. Mike Beckett said the exhaust system will take care of fumes left behind when the fire trucks are started up and leave the station.
“Diesel fumes can be dangerous,” Lt. Beckett said. “This exhaust system will pull out all those harmful fumes and make it 100 percent safer for our firefighters. It is outstanding that we are getting this exhaust and sprinkler system.”
Lt. Beckett said the fire chief and congressman worked together to secure the funding.
Rahall made a visit late last year to the fire department on a tour through Logan County.
The grant is included in Round 10 of the competitive FY 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program awarded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration. The funding awarded to local departments can be used to obtain much-needed emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training, a press release from Rahall’s office said.
The AFG program awards grants directly to local fire departments and Emergency Medical Service organizations to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel. Since 2002, southern West Virginia has received $21 million through the FEMA FIRE grants programs, the press release said.
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