When an emergency occurs, fire crews are often the first on the scene, risking their lives to help others.

And that is why they must be properly equipped.

Last week, it was announced that $407,500 in funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants programs were awarded to five departments in Lawrence County.

Chesapeake-Union VFD, which served as the host department on the application, along with Fayette, Proctorville, Coal Grove and Upper Township volunteer fire departments were allotted the funds for the purpose of buying airpacks.

We congratulate Chesapeake in securing these funds, as well as the other departments involved, and thank FEMA for their award.

Along with other grant funds coming in, they will be put to good use and it is our hope that departments throughout the county will be properly funded.