Chester, VA – Today, Columbia Gas of Virginia is announcing the distribution of grants to nearly 30 volunteer fire departments across the Commonwealth, including 13 in the Piedmont region. The grants help bolster the mission of the fire departments as they work to keep their communities safe.
“We have a long-standing history of working hand-in-hand with local volunteer fire departments all across Virginia. They are a key partner when it comes to natural gas safety and emergency response,” said Columbia Gas of Virginia President and Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Montague. “We’re proud to provide these grants to support their hard work, commitment and dedication and to continue to build stronger relationships with our first responders.”
In the Piedmont region, the following fire departments received grants which average around $1,500 each: Altavista Volunteer Fire Department; Augusta County Fire-Rescue; Buena Vista Firefighters; Clifton Forge Fire Department; Concord Volunteer Fire Department; Dooms Volunteer Fire Company; Effinger Volunteer Fire Department; Monelison Volunteer Fire Department; Narrows Volunteer Fire Department; Stuarts Draft Volunteer Fire Company; Swoope Volunteer Fire Company; Verona Volunteer Fire Company; and Weyers Cave Volunteer Fire Department.
“Augusta County Fire-Rescue Combined System would like to extend our gratitude to Columbia Gas for this grant,” said Augusta County Fire-Rescue Chief Greg Schacht. “Augusta County appreciates the continued support and partnership we have with Columbia Gas in keeping our citizens safe.”
These contributions were made possible by the NiSource Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic organization of Columbia Gas’s parent company. Through the NiSource Foundation, Columbia Gas of Virginia provides more than $400,000 annually in financial contributions to charitable organizations that share our mission of meeting basic human needs. As part of that effort, we support many organizations that provide assistance during times of individual and community crisis including local food banks, relief agencies and emergency responders.
For more information on how Columbia Gas of Virginia gives back to the community, visit our website.
