Pinch Volunteer Fire Department to Benefit from Regional AFG Grant for New Radios
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

Pinch Volunteer Fire Department to Benefit from Multi-Million Dollar Regional AFG Grant for New Radios
Regional effort led by Glasgow VFD will enhance communications statewide

Pinch, WV — 11/08/2025 — The Pinch Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) is proud to announce that it will benefit from a multi-million dollar regional grant awarded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. The grant, spearheaded by the Glasgow Volunteer Fire Department, will fund the purchase of new, state-of-the-art multi-band Kenwood radios for more than 30 fire departments across West Virginia.

This regional AFG project represents a major investment in first responder safety and interoperability. The upgraded communications equipment will replace aging and unreliable radios currently in service, improving coordination during emergency responses across county and regional boundaries.

“The ability to communicate clearly and reliably is one of the most critical tools we have on any scene,” said Deputy Chief Charlie Cunningham of the Pinch VFD. “Thanks to this grant and the leadership of Glasgow Volunteer Fire Department, our responders—and those across the state—will be better connected and better equipped to protect our communities.”

The AFG program is designed to help fire departments and emergency medical service organizations obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources necessary to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.  

By pooling resources and working collaboratively, the participating departments demonstrated the value of regional cooperation in addressing shared challenges—ensuring that every department, large or small, benefits from improved safety and communication.

The Pinch Volunteer Fire Department extends its sincere gratitude to Chief Marty Blankenship of the Glasgow Volunteer Fire Department for his leadership in coordinating this regional effort, and to Tom Miller, whose expertise and hard work as grant writer were instrumental in securing this funding. Their dedication made this project possible and will have a lasting positive impact on first responder communications across West Virginia.

**Media Contact:**  
Pinch Volunteer Fire Department  
Justin Withrow-PIO
304-965-1657
info@pinchfire.com
www.pinchfire.com