Roanoke public safety agencies will continue training to handle active-shooter situations and Roanoke County agencies plan to create an emergency shelter after receiving a combined $44,000 through grants from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.
The money is part of a program that gave almost $420,000 to 19 localities to fund emergency preparedness and active-shooter programs. Funds allocated through the grant must be matched by receiving agencies, according to the Department of Emergency Management.
Roanoke Fire-EMS Chief David Hoback said the city will use its $24,000 to buy ballistic vests that EMTs and other personnel can use in emergency situations. The department already has 10 such vests but plans to get 20 more. Hoback said the department also will acquire helmets.
The grant also will help pay for the active-shooter training that firefighters, EMT workers and police have been undergoing since July, Hoback said.