Six volunteer fire departments in the Valley received grant money from the Virginia Department of Forestry.

The Woodstock Fire Department received $2,000 as part of the volunteer fire assistance program.

They call themselves the Court Street Crew and this time of year, when wildfires are starting to appear, Lt. Adam Bruner said they are especially grateful for the Department of Forestry.

"We work hand and hand together,” said Lt. Bruner. “That way we can have the right equipment and help them at the time of need as well."

The Department of Forestry recognized the importance of the grant money.

"They qualify because they don't get the added funds from other places," said Harold Fisher with the Virginia Department of Forestry.

Lt. Bruner said they participate in fund-raising all year.

"We work Bingo, the whole county fair, so that's one of our biggest things, and of course donations that come in. They've kind of stepped off a little, but they're still coming in," said Lt. Bruner.

Sometimes, that is not enough.

"Donations don't always meet our requirements financially all the time, so in order to get anything better or to do anything else, we have to get grants," said Zach Hottel, a volunteer.

This year, the county upgraded the communications system and the Court Street Crew is using the grant money to comply.

"Portable radios and mics with them, that way we are able to communicate back and forth between everyone," said Lt. Bruner.

Each vehicle should have a radio system in order to fully serve the community. This grant money is going to increase the safety for our neighbors.

"We couldn't have afforded to have enough for each of us, for each truck, without this grant. So without it, we would be really shorthanded when it comes to radios and being able to communicate back and forth when we need it."

We have already seen wild fires in the Valley this year, so the Volunteer Fire Assistance Program is making sure crews are fully equipped. The Department of Forestry encouraged crews to get the proper fire retardant clothing this time of year.

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