HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) – The Harrisonburg Fire Department (HFD) has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to support efforts aimed at strengthening public health and emergency response capabilities.

The funding will be used to expand community health outreach programs, specifically child passenger, pedestrian and bike safety. The funding will allow the department to reach more underserved populations in the area, especially community members that might otherwise not be aware of, or benefit from, the programs.

“We are grateful to the Virginia Department of Health for this important investment in the health and safety of our community,” Fire Chief Matthew Tobia said in a release. “As important as the funding is, its value is only realized through the hard work and commitment of our community risk reduction team. This award demonstrates the shared mission of both HFD and VDH to protect the well-being of all Virginians through proactive planning, rapid response and strong community partnerships.”

HFD has a child passenger safety seat program including free car seats for qualified individuals. Find more information about the department and its programs at www.harrisonburgva.gov/fire.