CARES Act funding to aid West Virginia law enforcement, first responders

West Virginia law enforcement and first responder personnel will receive $439,858 in Department of Justice (DOJ) funds through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) said the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CEFS) Program effort would help local governments prevent, prepare for and respond to the coronavirus, noting funding projects may include overtime, protective equipment for law enforcement, training for staff and medical needs within West Virginia’s state /local prisons and detention centers.

“The coronavirus has created significant challenges for our first responders and law enforcement community,” Capito said. “Providing them with the necessary resources is crucial in keeping our communities safe, and our first responders prepared. As our state continues to carefully re-open, we must proceed with caution and follow the guidelines set in place. I will continue to advocate on the federal level for the resources we need to keep our communities safe.”

Manchin said first responders, healthcare providers, and law enforcement officers continue to put themselves in harm’s way to care for their fellow West Virginians.

“This funding will help ensure they receive the proper training, equipment, and medical support needed to manage and respond to this pandemic,” he said. “Ensuring our first responders are given the support they need has always been and will continue to be, a top priority for me. I will keep advocating for West Virginia’s front line workers to receive the resources they need to respond to this global health crisis.”