OAK HILL, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The City of Oak Hill announced today that the Oak Hill Fire Department has been awarded a $807,620 federal grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Recruitment and Retention program. The award was made on September 24, 2025, using Fiscal Year 2024 SAFER funds.
The multi-year grant will support a comprehensive effort to recruit new volunteer firefighters and retain current volunteers, helping to ensure that Oak Hill maintains a strong, well-trained response force for fires, medical calls, crashes, and other emergencies.
“This is a game-changing investment in public safety for Oak Hill,” said City Manager Cris Meadows. “Our volunteer firefighters give their time, their skills, and sometimes their lives to protect this community. This FEMA funding allows us to support them better, strengthen our response, and keep our residents and businesses safer.”
The SAFER program, administered by FEMA, provides competitive grants directly to local fire departments to increase the number of frontline firefighters available to respond to emergencies. One component of the program focuses on recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters, as well as on funding incentives, outreach, and support programs to grow and stabilize volunteer ranks.
Under the grant, the Oak Hill Fire Department anticipates using the funds to support initiatives such as:
- A multi-year recruitment campaign (branding, website enhancements, social media, local advertising, and community events)
- Incentive and support programs for volunteers, such as stipends, tuition assistance, or other benefits as allowed under SAFER guidelines
- A Volunteer Recruitment & Retention Coordinator position or similar role to manage outreach and mentoring of new members
- Training, certifications, and leadership development to ensure volunteers are fully trained and prepared for emergency response
- Required medical evaluations and initial PPE for newly recruited volunteer firefighters, consistent with FEMA’s eligibility rules for R&R funds
“ The award of this FEMA Safer Grant is an opportunity to enhance the services provided by the Oak Hill Volunteer Fire Department through recruitment, as well as incentives for retention, training, and continued improvement of the necessary tools and equipment to provide life-saving services to the public,” said Fire Chief Tim Richardson
There is no local match required for the Recruitment and Retention activity of the SAFER program, meaning the full $807,620 can be applied to eligible recruitment and retention uses over the life of the grant.
The grant will be administered through FEMA’s online FEMA GO and Payment and Reporting System, with funds drawn down on a reimbursement basis as eligible costs are incurred. City staff will work with FEMA to finalize the grant agreement, establish the official period of performance—expected to be up to four years—and bring a detailed implementation plan back to City Council.
“This award reflects the hard work of our fire department leadership and the City’s commitment to public safety,” said City Manager Cris Meadows. “We will use these funds strategically to build a sustainable volunteer pipeline so that Oak Hill is well protected not just this year, but for years to come.”
Residents interested in volunteering with the Oak Hill Fire Department or learning more about upcoming opportunities are encouraged to contact:
Oak Hill Fire Department
100 Kelly Avenue, Oak Hill, WV 25901
Non-Emergency: (304) 469-9541
Email: trichardson@oakhillwv.gov
