Brooke County fire departments are set to benefit from a recent allocation of funds from the state’s All County Fire Protection Fund.
During the Tuesday morning Brooke County Commission meeting, the Commission announced that over $37,000 would be distributed to the Brooke County, with each of the county’s 10 fire departments receiving approximately $3,700.
The fund, established by Gov. Jim Justice in 2024, distributes money based on county populations.
“Each department can request that funding from the county,” Commissioner AJ Thomas said. “They have to give us receipts, show vouchers what it was for. If they’re requesting reimbursement, they have to prove that it was paid so that we can then disburse those funds to them.”
Thomas noted that the funds, while not substantial, can be used for various needs.
“Different departments have used it for different things. Some have bought bunker gear, some have used it for insurance, funds to pay their insurance. Really depends on the needs of that particular department,” he said.
In addition to state funds, local fire departments also receive financial support from the county’s fire levy.
“We understand that $3,700 per department, that’s not a ton. That really doesn’t even cover a full set of fire gear for these people–but it’s something,” Thomas said.