VIDEO: The Kanawha County Commission has approved $630,000 to go to 31 fire departments in the county, with the majority being volunteer.
This is funding allocated each year to help out with equipment needs and keep gear updated.
“This is roughly almost $30,000, $20,000 and $10,000 that we give to every single one of our fire departments here in Kanawha County, to help them pay for the expenses of bunker gear, radios, making sure they have the essential equipment that can help them save others’ lives, including their own,” Kanawha County Commissioner Lance Wheeler said.
According to the Kanawha County Checkbook website, 27 departments received these funds last year.
Wheeler said they have a process they follow to ensure the funds are being put towards the intended use.
“We want to make sure this money is spent exactly where it’s desired to, and that is in the fire station with the equipment necessary to run a fire station,” Wheeler said. “What we do is we do letters of intent where the fire department is required to show receipts and invoices of where this money was spent.”
