BRIDGEPORT, W.Va (WDTV) – Fire departments in two local counties are receiving funding from American Water through the 12th annual Firefighting Support Grant program.

Departments in Lewis and Webster counties will receive a portion of the total $26,000 donated to 29 departments in the company’s service area.

In Lewis County, the Jane Lew Volunteer Fire Department will receive $995 to purchase five rescue suits and the Weston Volunteer Fire Department will receive $997 to purchase two fire hooks, an unlimited tool combo and an equipment cleaner.

In Webster County, the Diana Volunteer Fire Department and the Hacker Valley Volunteer Fire Department will each receive $1,000 to purchase a fire hydrant pressure reducing valve, and the Webster Springs Volunteer Fire Department will receive $949 to purchase rope rescue equipment tools.

“We are honored to invest in community fire departments each year through our Firefighting Support Grant program,” said Rob Burton, president of West Virginia American Water. “With many of these volunteer-led organizations operating without full-time staff, our support is essential to keeping their doors open and their vital services available to residents across West Virginia.”

Since 2013, West Virginia American Water’s Firefighting Support Grant has provided over $156,000 to fire departments and emergency management agencies across the state. The program covers a wide range of fire department expenses related to personal protective equipment, communications equipment, firefighting equipment, water treatment equipment, training and similar activities used to support fire protection in the community.

A team of West Virginia American Water employees selects grant recipients through a selection and application review process.

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