Virginia FD receives huge AFG award

September 5 – The Virginia Fire Department is receiving a $734,950 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) from the Department of Homeland Security. Fire department officials were made aware of the grant award this afternoon. The funding will be used for firefighters to train in confined spaces and rope rescue, with an overall goal of leading to a Minnesota Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team. “We are just excited about this grant,” said Fire Chief Allen Lewis. Lewis credited Battalion Chief Erik Jonassen for spearheading the grant application.