January 13 – Congressman Zach Wamp announced that the Sharps Chapel Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) in Union County will soon be able to better serve its community and protect its firefighters. The department was recently awarded an operations and safety grant to purchase new equipment through the Assistance to Fire Fighters grant program from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. 

“This grant allows the Sharps Chapel VFD to upgrade its equipment. In a time when budgets are tight, this federal grant means that the department can purchase new gear to better protect the firefighters when they respond to emergencies in the community,” said Congressman Wamp.

The Sharps Chapel VFD will use these grant funds to purchase a new thermal-imaging camera and about 18-20 sets of new turnout gear. The camera will aid in rescue efforts by locating people, detecting overheating electrical wiring and spotting smoldering fires within walls. The turnout gear is protective clothing for the firefighters that generally includes new helmets, pants, coats, and fire-resistant hoods, gloves and boots. Sharps Chapel VFD has between 18 and 20 active firefighters who cover 100-square-miles with 3,000 residents.