Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine voted yesterday to pass the Fire Grants and Safety Act.

This legislation will continue funding grant programs that support fire departments and firefighters across the state.

The timing of this vote came at a crucial time as two critical programs neared their expiration deadline of 2024.

The legislation reauthorizes the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program which provides firefighters and other first responders with the crucial protective gear, equipment, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public.

The votes also helped to reauthorize the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program which aims to help fire departments and volunteer interest groups increase or maintain the number of trained, front line firefighters.

Since 2015, over $8 million has been awarded from these programs to communities throughout the Commonwealth.

Numerous localities have already accepted funding through the programs including the Stephens City Fire and Rescue Company which received $21,068 earlier this year.