Assistance to firefighters grant

The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded a $2,000,000.00 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (CFDA 97.044) to the West Side Volunteer Fire Fighters, a non-profit organization, on September 15, 2023. This grant will be used to enhance public and firefighter safety related to fire and fire hazards in St. Albans, West Virginia. The funding will support the acquisition of equipment, gear, vehicles, and training for the volunteer firefighters to improve their ability to respond to emergencies and protect the local community. Additionally, the organization received a $397,264 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) project grant from FEMA to fund firefighter staffing. These awards build upon the organization's history of FEMA grants, including a $37,500 Assistance to Firefighters Grant in 2022 for equipment and a $13,000 Assistance to Firefighters Grant in 2021 for training, which have been critical in maintaining the organization's emergency response capabilities.