On December 2, the Virginia Fire Services Board met and approved proposed changes from the Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) to the Aid to Localities (ATL) Program Policy to ensure compliance with legislation mandating that fire departments report incidents to National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) to remain eligible for ATL funding. The adopted draft policy with can be viewed here. This policy must be submitted through the regulatory process and will not be effective until July 1, 2026. VDFP expects to submit the information for regulatory review towards the beginning of Calendar Year 2026.
As previously reported, the policy requires that VDFP run a compliance report twice a year. If a department is listed as noncompliant, they will be placed on a list provided to localities that cannot receive ATL funds. The onus would be on the locality to withhold funds to departments that appear on the list unless they did not run any emergency incidents during the period. If a locality willingly funds a department not in compliance, they will lose all ATL funding for the year. The Fire Service Board also asked VDFP to request contact information from localities of fire and EMS departments operating within their respective jurisdictions.
The Board also discussed the newly created Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Grant Program. According to VDFP staff, approximately 126 applications for funding were received by VDFP, totaling more than $9 million in stated need, of which only $5 million was available to be awarded. VACo continues to urge the General Assembly to provide additional resources that would assist local governments with the recruitment, retention, training, and support of first responders such as law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel, and 9-1-1 dispatchers.
VACo Contact: Jeremy R. Bennett