The West End Fire and Rescue Department Inc. has been awarded a $25,000 grant through the 2008 Volunteer Rescue/EMS Fund from North Carolina.

The check will be mailed to Chief Wayne Kennedy to be used by the department to purchase needed equipment, which must be approved by the Department of Insurance Office of State Fire Marshal.

"Departments that provide rescue and EMS services to their communities play a vital part in the protection of our citizens, and they deserve the best equipment so they can do their jobs safely and efficiently," said Wayne Goodwin, the state insurance commissioner and state fire marshal. "I know the West End Fire and Rescue Inc. will put this money to good use in service to their community. Thank you, Chief Wayne Kennedy, and thanks to your staff for all of your hard work and dedication."

West End Fire and Rescue Inc. has received a total of $164,883.53 from the Volunteer Rescue/EMS Fund in the past 20 years since the program began.

The General Assembly created the Volunteer Rescue/EMS Fund in 1989 to help volunteer units raise money for equipment and supplies. The grant funds must be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to an approved amount, by monies raised locally to purchase necessary equipment.

Since the program's inception, the Department of Insurance has distributed more than $23 million to rescue and EMS squads across the state.