U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher will host a workshop to inform local fire departments, rescue squads, and sheriff and police departments about the federal funding resources available to assist them in providing their members the most up to date equipment and training. The workshop is entitled “Funding Available to Protect the People Who Protect Us” and will be held on Saturday, March 21, at 1 p.m. at the Wytheville Meeting Center in Wytheville, Virginia. There is no charge for attendance at this workshop.

The primary purpose of the workshop is to ensure that Southwest Virginia’s first responders are well informed about federal funding resources that are available to support their departments and know how to access the funding. Last year, first responders in the Ninth District received more than $3 million in federal funding. With the benefit of these funds, departments have purchased fire trucks, police vehicles, communication equipment and other items which enhance the safety of the departments’ members and improve the departments’ ability to respond efficiently to emergencies.

Representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Agency and the Virginia Department of Fire Programs will provide detailed information on the funding resources available to local fire departments, rescue squads and police and sheriff’s departments and how to apply for the funding.

“Our region’s first responders are our first line of defense in coping with emergencies in our communities,” Boucher said. “These individuals, many of whom serve on a voluntary basis, are generous members of our society who risk personal safety for the public good. It is important to protect the safety of these individuals by providing the best equipment and training possible.”

To register for the workshop, or to receive additional information, please contact Congressman Boucher’s Abingdon office at 276.628.1145 or register by e-mail at ninthnet@mail.house.gov.