Danger may be part of the job description for firefighters, but one critical piece of protective gear can significantly lower health risks for those who put themselves in harm’s way to protect lives and property in rural Virginia. 

“We consider every environment to be hazardous until the threat is contained,” says Chief Todd Padgett of the Cople District Volunteer Fire Department (VFD). “Air packs aren’t just used for house or structure fires. We wear them for hazmat incidents and outdoors on farms to safely operate in these areas.

If you think larger, more well-funded communities have cornered the market on public safety innovations, think again. The St. Paul Volunteer Fire Department has built a robust organization with the vision and resources to go well beyond the town’s 1.4 square mile land area. 

The certified first response agency covers Wise and Russell counties and supports double dispatch of firefighters or police with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for calls in Sandy Ridge, Coeburn, Copper Creek, Cleveland, Dante and Castlewood.

Outreach events offer a unique opportunity for community leaders and Rural Development staff to come together, identify community needs, and match potential projects with Rural Development funding.

During one such visit between the Wagner mayor, city finance officer, and the Rural Development team in 2023, the Wagner Police Department shared a challenge it faced with the upkeep of their police cars.

Construction of a 4 MW solar electric generation facility that will be sited on a previously disturbed 23-acre parcel consisting of a former wastewater facility in Yuma County, Yuma, Colorado.

Staff Assignment Name: Maria Tur
Project Submittal Date: 3/27/2025
Project Approval Date: 4/3/2025
DOE CE Applied: B5.16

Owner Dane Hauser shares insights on the process to apply for a USDA Rural Development Value-Added Producer Grant