Bedford County Department of Fire & Rescue has been awarded a $35,000 grant from the Appalachian Power Company Foundation to support its Public Safety Gear Project.

The funding will be used to purchase specialized equipment for the department’s Swiftwater Rescue Team and EMS personnel. The investment will directly strengthen the department’s ability to protect lives during natural disasters and emergencies both within Bedford County and across the region.

“When every second counts, this grant will allow our teams to respond more effectively and safely,” said Bedford County Department of Fire & Rescue Chief Janet Blankenship. “The support from the Appalachian Power Company Foundation enhances our readiness and reinforces our commitment to safeguarding Bedford County residents during the most challenging emergencies.”

The AEP Foundation is dedicated to improving lives through education—from early childhood programs to higher education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)—and by supporting essential community needs such as emergency shelter, affordable housing, and hunger relief.

Learn more about the Appalachian Power Company Foundation here.

Photo (from left to right): D.W. Lawhorne/Assistant County Administrator, Robert Hiss/County Administrator, Rob Mann/External Affairs Manager, Janet Blankenship/Fire & Rescue Chief, Abbey Johnston/Fire & Rescue Deputy Chief of Operations