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March 19, 2024

Stony Point VFD receives $101,904 grant

$101,904 GRANT PRESENTED TO STONY POINT VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT — A Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the amount of $101,904.76 was received by Stony Point Volunteer Fire Department on October 1, 2021. The presentation was made by Stephanie Blair and Jordan Barnes of Senator Thom Tillis’ office. The pair also presented a U.S. Flag which had flown over the U.S. Capitol. The grant will allow for the purchase of vehicle exhaust extraction system to decrease firefighter risk due to fire engine diesel exhaust gases and particulates. Pictured above, left to right: front row – Donna Abernathy, Chief Scotty Abernathy, and government representatives Jordan Barnes and Stephanie Blair; back row – Jacob Abernathy, Noah Greene, David Benge, Billy Abernathy, Justin Manning, Tommy Cockrell, Keith Rufty, Donna Cockrell, and Lindy Cockrell.

The Stony Point Volunteer Fire Department received a Federal $101,904.76 Assistance to Firefighters Grant to help firefighter safety at Station 1 and Station 2 facilities, Chief Scotty Abernathy announced last week.

A presentation to Chief Abernathy and fellow firefighters was made on Friday, October 1, by members of U.S. Senator Thom Tillis’ staff, Stephanie Blair and Jordan Barnes, at Stony Point VFD Station 1.

Chief Abernathy remarked, “Stony Point Fire Department will use the grant for a vehicle exhaust system, by Plymovent. The exhaust fumes in the fire station from diesel fire engines are a firefighter’s most significant cancer health risk. It is essential to create the most healthy and safe work environment as possible for our firefighters.”

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, diesel fumes contains known human carcinogens benzene, benzo(a)pyrene, and formaldehyde, as well as suspected carcinogens dibenz(a,h)anthracene, and benzofuran and harmful gases carbon monoxide and nitric oxides.

Plymovent code compliant vehicle exhaust capture and removal systems offer totally automatic start-up and disconnect source capture systems are the recommended method for controlling exhaust emissions.

The Plymovent product literature states, “Diesel exhaust particles are often too small to be captured by onboard filters. Toxic gases are not captured by particulate filters, and only partially by activated carbon filters. The Plymovent source capture system captures these particles and gases before they enter the fire station, and expels them to the outside. As a fire truck exits the station, diesel exhaust is expelled with force. The Plymovent source capture system prevents it from being spread throughout the fire station including the living quarters.”

The department will expend $5,095.20 to purchase the ventilation system.

In a letter, Senator Tillis remarked, “Dear Chief Abernathy, I am happy to extend my sincerest congratulations to you and the entire Stony Point Volunteer Fire Department on receiving an Assistance to Firefighters Grant from FEMA. Your commitment to enhancing the safety and security of our citizens is evident on a daily basis and I humbly thank you for your service. I am proud of North Carolina’s first responders and their dedication to our communities. You are making a difference and I applaud the great work you are doing. Each day as you serve, know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.”

In addition to the grant, Barnes and Blair presented a U.S. Flag to the department which had flown over the U.S. Capitol at the request of Senator Tillis.

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