Earlier this month, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV) announced the awarding of $405,866 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through their Assistance to Firefighters Grant’s (AFG) program.
Five fire departments received funding, four of which were in North Central West Virginia. Among those four, Bridgeport received a significant amount of funding. Lumberport, Worthington, Marlinton, and New Cumberland also were awarded federal dollars.
According to Bridgeport Fire Department Chief Phil Hart, the city was the lead sponsor for the grant application that will aid other local departments. He said the funding will assist Clarksburg, Fairmont, and Morgantown Fire Departments as well.
“These dollars will be used for training personnel for technical rescues with an emphasis on confined space rescue,” said Hart of what he called a regional grant. “It will help up with all types of rescue scenarios and situations our first responders are faced with.
“This will benefit all four departments,” he continued. “This will also benefit the cities throughout the I-79 corridor and the respective communities throughout.”
Bridgeport received $81,818 in funding from the program. The New Manchester Volunteer Fire Department in New Cumberland took the lion’s share of the funding announced by Manchin at $150,228. Lumberport received $94,771, Worthington received $53,333, and Marlinton received $25,714.
Confined space training is not unusual for Bridgeport’s staff, but this will allow for more advanced training and will allow for the training to be completed together with other departments. Hart said there is a significant benefit from that.
“It allows everyone who may face certain situations to have the same level of training and be on the same page in the event of a serious situation,” Hart said. “It’s also important if you’re out on a major incident that you see familiar faces and someone, we hope through this training, you have a professional bond with.”
Hart said the goal is to do most of the training together. He said the initial plan is to utilize the funding at unknown date in the City of Bridgeport. Hart said that could change, but the training aimed at specialized technician rescue could also be done at other sites.
“For generations, our brave West Virginia firefighters have risked their lives to protect our communities, and I’m pleased that FEMA is investing more than $400,000 in five of our local fire departments,” said Manchin. “This funding will bolster public safety and strengthen emergency preparedness by ensuring that West Virginia’s fire departments have the resources they need to operate effectively.”
The AFG program strives to enhance firefighter safety and public safety as they relate to fire hazards. AFG awards provide critically needed resources that equip and train emergency personnel to recognized standards, enhance operational efficiencies, foster interoperability, and support community resilience.
Editor's Note: Photos show some past training, including space training, that will be undertaken with Bridgeport and a trio of other local fire departments thanks to an $80,000-plus grant.
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