Five fire departments in the region have received federal funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. The grants, part of a national distribution of $264.8 million among 1,399 departments, will support operations and improve safety equipment.
The largest award locally, totaling $193,033, went to the Pineville Volunteer Fire Department in Izard County. Department officials announced plans to use the funds to purchase new bunker gear and multi-function gear for all members. Additionally, the grant will cover the cost of a specialized washer and drying cabinet designed for maintaining firefighting gear.
The Norfork Volunteer Fire Department in Baxter County received $114,856. As of this report, the department has not disclosed specific plans for the funding.
The Viola Volunteer Fire Department in Fulton County was awarded $96,952. The department plans to replace outdated self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs) with 10 new SCBA packs, 10 masks, and 20 air bottles, according to officials.
Two Missouri departments also received funding through the program. The Eastern Douglas County Volunteer Fire Department was awarded $23,809, while the City of Forsyth received $7,619. Both departments have yet to announce how the funds will be allocated.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program was established in Fiscal Year 2001 and is one of FEMA’s key initiatives to enhance public and firefighter safety. Since its inception, the program has distributed approximately $9 billion nationwide to help fire departments and emergency organizations acquire critical resources, improve training, and enhance operational efficiency.