FAIRMONT — Rivesville volunteer firefighters will soon have a dozen sets of new protective clothing or “bunker gear” and a dozen new self-contained breathing tanks, thanks to a federal grant from the Homeland Security Department.
Lt. Courtney Shaver of the Rivesville VFD wrote the grant application which resulted in an award of $81,966. Dennis Roy is the department’s chief.
“Last year we won a similar grant,” which enabled the department to buy a 1991 pumper-tanker truck. The truck replaced two other old fire vehicles, Shaver said.
U.S. Rep. Alan B. Mollohan praised the department, saying it deserves congratulations for submitting a quality application.
The grant was awarded as a result of a competitive process overseen by fire service experts, the congressman said in a statement.
The grant comes from a Homeland Security program called the Assistance to Firefighters Grant, he and U.S. Sens. Robert C. Byrd and Jay Rockefeller said.
The program will yield about $490 million for fire departments and emergency medical services across the nation, Rockefeller said.
“Firefighters are the backbone of public safety, and with this much-needed grant program now secure, they will be better equipped to protect the people of this community,” he said.
Byrd noted firefighters are increasingly responding to hazardous materials accidents and natural disasters. Byrd is chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He also chairs the panel’s Homeland Security Subcommittee.
E-mail Bill Byrd at bbyrd@timeswv.com
In Today's TWV
November 14, 2007
Rivesville VFD gets grant
- In Today's TWV
-
-
US kills Osama bin Laden decade after 9/11 attacks
Osama bin Laden, the face of global terrorism and architect of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, was killed in a firefight with elite American forces Monday, then quickly buried at sea in a stunning finale to a furtive decade on the run.
-
Construction around FSU
Construction matters were on the minds of the Fairmont State Board of Governors Thursday as they discussed projects to widen Locust Avenue and the continuing renovation of the historic Kennedy Barn.
First, a project to widen Locust Avenue to three lanes has been a priority for the state for several years. -
Goal: Redevelop site of former black Elks
City officials are hoping to solicit a buyer to redevelop the former site of the former black Elks building at the corner of Everest Drive and Cleveland Avenue.
Following the structure’s emergency demolition last weekend, city manager Jim Snider said the city is hoping someone will come forward to develop the site and recoup the city’s $72,000 demolition cost. -
Investigation continues into suspicious container, plastic jug that were blown up
Fairmont police detectives will continue their investigation into a suspicious can and jug that were blown up late Friday night by a State Police bomb squad, police said.
No one was injured, but the incident forced drivers to detour around Fairmont Avenue from Seventh to 10th streets while the area was secured and the containers were safely destroyed. -
Years of planning, work lead to new Baxter fire hall
In 1968, the Baxter Volunteer Fire Department opened its doors for the first time.
The department had its humble beginnings in a small pole building near the ball field. Over the years, the firefighters made do with the small building, adding on as they could, according to Destry Jones, Baxter fire chief. -
AmberView participation rising
Fairview Middle School has a higher percentage of students enrolled in AmberView than any other school in the state, officials said Friday.
AmberView is an innovative program, developed in West Virginia, that assists law enforcement by quickly issuing an up-to-date digital picture of a missing or abducted child. AmberView officials have seen participation rise dramatically in the last year. -
Police investigate, detonate suspected bomb
West Side’s main thoroughfare was blocked for hours while police investigated and then detonated a suspected bomb Friday night.
Fairmont City Police responded to a report of a suspicious package Friday after a 911 call from a passerby. -
Student housing at FSU booming
While enrollment may be down at Fairmont State this year, student housing is booming.
The university’s board of governors received preliminary enrollment numbers at its meeting Thursday. -
Jay to speak at convention
U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, an early supporter of Sen. Barack Obama, will be a speaker at the Democratic National Convention in Denver later this month, a campaign aide said.
Rockefeller, 71, who is seeking a fifth-straight term in the Senate, will speak on Wednesday, Aug. 27, said Jessica Tice, his campaign press secretary. -
A strong ‘heartbeat’
“The chamber is the heartbeat of every community,” Gov. Joe Manchin told a crowd of approximately 375 people during the Marion County Chamber of Commerce’s 55th Annual Dinner.
Members of the business community gathered at Fairmont State University’s Falcon Center Thursday night for the event, which also serves as the chamber’s annual meeting. - More In Today's TWV Headlines
-
US kills Osama bin Laden decade after 9/11 attacks
