The CSPDC recently aided Hose Company #4 Fire Department (HC4FD) leadership with their submission for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. The HC4FD applied for $1.5M in funding to purchase a new rescue engine and equipment. The HC4FD has been serving the citizens of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County since 1890. Their first due area consists of 140 square miles which includes the communities of Belmont, Cross Keys, Keezletown, Lacy Springs, Lakewood, Linville, Massanetta Springs, McGaheysville, and Shen Lake along with 12 miles of Interstate 81. The HC4FD second due area includes three colleges (Blue Ridge Community College, Eastern Mennonite University, and James Madison University), the City of Harrisonburg, and the towns of Bridgewater, Grottoes, and Mount Crawford. They have over 70 members, with 50 active Firefighters or EMTs. The HC4FD is currently averaging 4,000 volunteer hours a month in Fire/EMS services via 12-hour shifts, seven days a week.
The primary goal of the AFG is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations. Since 2001, the AFG program has helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. The FY 2023 AFG notice of funding opportunity states the anticipated award date begins around April 30th and continues until all program grant awards are issued (no later than September 30th).
Use this link to learn about the FEMA AFG program: https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters. In addition, interested organizations will find further information on the FY 2023 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) and FY 2023 Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) programs.