AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (ROCKTOWN NOW) – Columbia Gas of Virginia has announced the distribution of grants to nearly 30 volunteer fire departments across the Commonwealth, including several here in the Shenandoah Valley.

Spokesperson Stephanie Benson says the grants help bolster the mission of the fire departments as they work to keep their communities safe.

“It really is about the volunteer fire companies and the grants average around $1500 each,” Benson said. “They can vary in amount, but that’s the average amount that these volunteer fire departments will each receive, so there’s a process for doing this.”

Departments in the Valley receiving grants include Augusta County Fire and Rescue as well as the Dooms, Stuarts Draft, Swoope, Verona and Weyers Cave Volunteer Fire Companies.