More money coming to help West Virginia’s volunteer fire departments

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — More help is on the way for financially troubled volunteer fire departments across West Virginia.

It may be $12 million to share, but some fire departments we’ve spoken with say they’ll probably need more down the road.

To the applause of volunteer firefighters across the state gathered in Boone County, Gov. Jim Justice (R-WV) signed House Bill 5128 into law. The bill will assist volunteer fire departments all over the state.

Many of them have struggled in recent years, with some even closing. Some have had to close or cut back their hours in recent years, while others have struggled to pay for workers’ compensation insurance.

The money will come from excess profits from state lottery funds and will help shore up many departments. The governor praised the men and women for their dedication.

“You take away from your families. You give to our communities. You’re volunteers. I mean it’s astronomical what you do and what you give and the benefits you are to all of our communities,” said Gov. Jim Justice, (R) West Virginia.

This is not just one-time funding. The new law specifies whenever there are excess profits from the lottery, those dollars will automatically be transferred into the West Virginia State Fire Protection Fund.

In addition to the lottery funds, several West Virginia counties passed safety levies this year to help shore up the finances of volunteer fire departments.

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