Panel hears plea for grants to hire firefighters and buy equipment, but tables bill amid budget uncertainty

Delegate Phillips presented House Bill 1054 to establish the Virginia Fire Personnel and Equipment Grant Program, which would award grants to localities to hire firefighters and upgrade equipment. The bill designates the Department of Fire Programs as administrator and proposes two types of grants: personnel and equipment.

In his presentation, Delegate Phillips cited industry studies and trends, telling the committee that equipment costs have risen more than 100% since 2020 and that volunteer ranks have shrunk: "Almost 70% of Virginians are covered by volunteers, but the number of active volunteers has dropped by 45% since COVID." He said these trends are increasing call volumes and straining local response capacity.

Jeremy Bennett of the Virginia Association of Counties and David Bailey of the Virginia State Firefighters Association — which represents many volunteers — urged support. Bailey noted a prior budget allotment of $5 million and said requests far exceeded that amount, urging larger allocations where needed.

Committee members praised the bill but expressed concern about a significant fiscal hit (one member cited $12.5 million). A motion was made and seconded to lay the bill on the table for budgetary reasons; the chair later confirmed the bill had been tabled pending further budget work.