Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., announced Thursday that the Augusta, West Virginia Volunteer Fire Department has been awarded $40,356 by the Department of Homeland Security. The Operations and Safety Grant will be funded through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

“Volunteer firefighters form the backbone of our first responders in communities across our state,” says Capito. “And programs like this one help provide the funding and support to ensure that they have the resources to do their jobs safely, with the best equipment possible. This is great news for Augusta, and I’m excited to see these dollars coming to Hampshire County.”

Grants awarded through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program seek to help enhance the preparedness capabilities of local fire departments and emergency medical service organizations. Funding often supports equipment upgrades and training for first responders.

Operations and Safety Grants, like the one awarded to the Augusta Volunteer Fire Department, specifically support training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and health and safety modifications to stations and facilities.