The Fredericksburg Fire Department has been awarded a nearly $50,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.
The purpose of the grant is to enhance the mission of the Fredericksburg Regional Hazardous Materials Team in four capacities: transportation, advanced technology, safety of personnel and decontamination of personnel on the scene of an incident.
The budget amendment for the grant was approved unanimously as part of the City Council consent agenda Tuesday night.
The transportation portion of the $49,497 of city grant funds will be used to purchase a new vehicle to replace a 1999 Chevrolet Suburban that has been removed from emergency response because of its poor condition. The city is also receiving enhanced technology in the form of an “Area Rae” system for detection and monitoring hazardous materials.