2 weeks Ago
Albemarle County's fire department has been awarded a $1.74 million federal grant that will allow it to support 24/7 operations at its North Garden station south of Charlottesville. Until now, the five firefighters at the station have only been able to work daytime schedules.
The grant money will allow Albemarle County Fire Rescue to hire seven more firefighters for around-the-clock service. The money was made possible thanks to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response, or SAFER, grant program. The fire department has already been actively recruiting for the positions over the summer.
The new hires will attend a six-month recruit academy at the start of 2025 before joining the crew in North Garden. That training is slated to include courses on emergency medical technician skills, firefighter survival, car seat installation and emergency vehicle operation. “This grant enables Albemarle County to make significant progress in our ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community,” Jim Andrews, chairman of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors, said in a statement announcing the news.
“We are deeply appreciative of FEMA's support and the hard work of our County staff in securing this competitive award, reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-quality services.” Albemarle County Fire Chief Dan Eggleston speaks during the Emergency Communication Center management board meeting, Monday, Nov. 18, 2019.
Fire Chief Dan Eggleston also extended his thanks, especially to the staff who helped secure the funding. "I want to express my gratitude to our staff for their dedication and hard work, which were instrumental in securing this important funding," Eggleston said in his own statement. "With the continued support of the Board of Supervisors and County leadership, our department remains committed to proactively enhancing our ability to deliver professional and consistent services to the residents of Albemarle County.
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