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Morrell Volunteer Fire Company receives $65,000 federal grant

By Joyce Koballa jkoballa@heraldstandard.Com 2 min read

Officials of the Morrell Volunteer Fire Company in Dunbar said a $65,000 federal grant awarded to the station this month will be used for operations and safety.

The grant was awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Department of Homeland Security.

Fire Chief Ross Rock said seven new air packs will be purchased with the money to replace the current ones that are 15 years old. Additionally, he said the grant money will be used to buy two hoses to replace those that are more than 25 years old.

“I am in the process of getting prices,” said Rock.

Funds are awarded through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, which aims to strengthen the health and safety of the nation’s first-responders and those they serve.

Under the grant, Rock said the fire company will contribute 5 percent of the cost of the new equipment.

He said that money will come from fundraising efforts.

According to Rock, although the fire company applies for the grant each year, they haven’t received the federal grant since 2006. He said the funding is very much needed.

“Bingo is down now, and we have to constantly raise funds,” said Rock.

According to Rock, the fire company currently has 36 volunteer firefighters with 20 of them active members.

Rock said the fire company plans to apply for a grant for safety gear next year.

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