Albemarle County receives $1.03 million firefighter grant

Two Virginia fire departments received federal grants to improve safety and emergency response. Mowbray Volunteer Fire Department was awarded more than $382,000, alongside a $19,000 departmental contribution, to replace aging breathing apparatus and air bottles used in fires and hazardous environments. Albemarle County Fire Rescue received a $1.03 million FEMA SAFER grant to hire, train and deploy six full-time firefighters. The hires are intended to address staffing shortages, reduce mandatory overtime and help maintain consistent service across the county.