EXMORE, Va. (Delmarva Now) — The Community Fire Company in Exmore was awarded $232,800 in federal funding to support recruitment efforts.
Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced around $3.7 million in federal funding for 10 Virginia fire departments through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The funds — which in addition to Exmore will go to fire departments in Patrick Springs, Forest, Strasburg, Chatham, Martinsville, Norfolk, Spotsylvania, Fries and Yorktown — will be awarded through FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response programs.
“Firefighters put their lives on the line every day. These federal dollars will help fire departments across Virginia update and purchase new equipment and support essential staffing needs, ensuring they have the resources to do their jobs,” the senators said in a press release.
Exmore's fire company will receive the funds through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response, or SAFER, program.
The primary goal of SAFER is to enhance local fire departments’ ability to comply with staffing, response and operational standards, according to the release.
FEMA’s SAFER program provides funding directly to fire departments to help them increase or maintain the number of trained firefighters available in their communities.
The Community Fire Company was established in Exmore in1930. The department's first equipment was an American LaFrance pumper, which was kept at the Coca-Cola plant on Main Street until a building could be constructed, according to a fire company history.
The original firehouse was built in 1939, next to the Big Nickel Bottling Works plant.
The present firehouse is on Main Street and was built in 1977.
The fire company has five pieces of equipment, including two ambulances, one engine, one tanker, one brush unit and a support/utility vehicle.
In addition to serving Exmore, the company also provides fire and emergency medical services to Belle Haven, Willis Wharf, Silver Beach and nearby rural areas.
