Allocation bolsters emergency responder equipment in Virginia counties

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) said a funding allotment of $125,000 would assist efforts to update old equipment at Virginia-area police and fire departments.

Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) said the effort would aid departments in Augusta County, Halifax County and the town of Glade Spring, improving emergency response times and public safety in those communities.

Augusta County would receive $50,000 toward the purchase of updated equipment for the Churchville Volunteer Fire Department, as will Halifax County, for the purchase of four new sheriff’s vehicles to replace outdated vehicles posing a safety hazard to employees and, as a result of unreliable emergency response times, to the general public.

Glade Spring will receive $25,000 for a 2019 Dodge Durango police vehicle, enabling the municipality to replace an older vehicle.

“The men and women serving our communities need functional, up-to-date equipment that allows them to effectively do their jobs,” the Senators said. “We’re pleased that this funding will help enhance public safety in the Commonwealth.”

The funding is provided through the USDA Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grants program, noting the effort seeks to develop critical community facilities providing essential services to the public in rural areas.