NORTHFORK — A McDowell County fire department is among more than a dozen departments across West Virginia that are sharing more than $3.2 million in grants through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency, a senator announced Monday. 

U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, said $3,258,095 for several fire departments in West Virginia. Funding comes through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program and will support the purchase of equipment and other appurtenances. 

The Northfork Community Volunteer Fire Department will receive $53,048, according to a statement Capito issued Monday. 

“Every day, career and volunteer firefighters across West Virginia risk their own safety to respond to emergencies,” Capito said. “From serving on the front lines of the opioid epidemic to fighting fires, these men and women save lives and perform an important service to West Virginians. As the chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, I will continue to ensure first responders have the resources they need to safely serve their communities.”