Capito visits Ripley VFD

Representative helped to secure grant

By CHRISTINA BRIGHT
RIPLEY — U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., visited the Ripley Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department Tuesday after helping the department secure a grant from the Department of Homeland Security.

The announcement the Ripley Fire Department received the Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the amount of $192,935 was made last month.

“This grant will provide much needed support for Ripley’s volunteer fire department,” said Capito. “It’s incredibly important that local first responders are equipped to do their job, and it’s great to know that this funding will support local firefighters in Ripley.”

Grants awarded through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program seek to help enhance the preparedness capabilities of local fire departments and emergency medical service (EMS) organizations. Funding often supports equipment upgrades and training for first responders.

Chuck Hitt, deputy fire chief, noted the importance of the grant program and the support it provides to local fire fighters upon learning of the department’s successful grant application. “We’re excited about the grant,” said Hitt. “This is a good program that supports local fire departments like ours, and we’ll be able to update some of our equipment to better serve our community.”

Among the equipment purchased by the department with the grant funds are 30 complete sets of turn-out gear, enough for each volunteer, and 25 new air packs. A thermal imaging camera was also purchased. While not all the equipment purchased as been delivered yet, Capito spent time during her visit examining the new helmets, face pieces and boots, as well as the thermal imaging camera that have arrived and discussing their importance to the volunteers.

This was the first time the Ripley Fire Department received the Assistance to Firefighters Grant through the Department of Homeland Security.