BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. (WDTV) – Governor Jim Justice ceremoniously signed House Bill 5128 on Friday in the presence of several members of the West Virginia State Firemen’s Association.
The law provides $12 million to volunteer fire departments, emergency medical services and other first responders across the state.
Funding is divided into three parts – the Fire Protection Fund, the All County Fire Protection Fund and the County Fire Protection Fund.
The Fire Protection Fund will distribute a total of $6 million evenly to volunteer fire departments across the state to maintain and improve daily operations.
The All County Fire Protection Fund allows $3 million to be distributed to fire departments in each county, and the County Fire Protection Fund allows an additional $3 million to be distributed to counties that impose a special levy or special fee for first responder services. With the County Fire Protection Fund, funds are distributed by county commissions to fire departments or emergency management services.
The distribution of funds will increase financial support for fire and rescue services across the state, officials said.
“I say it time and time again that our first responders are so brave because they run to the fire, and all of you are the brave men and women who literally do just that,” Justice told WVSFA members. “Our volunteer firefighters are the lifeblood of our communities, the people we turn to when emergencies occur. Often times you are separated from your families just to help others in their time of need. I can’t think of anything more uplifting. I can’t thank you enough for the work you do. This money is a drop in the bucket, but you are absolutely worth every penny. Thank you everyone for everything you do for West Virginia.”
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