Middlesex County accepted a 2026 personal protective equipment grant through the Virginia Department of Fire in the amount of $60,532.96 to help replace aging turnout gear used by local volunteer fire departments.

Emergency services staff said the grant request sought 16 full sets of turnout gear (coat, bunker pants, boots, helmet, hood and gloves) and that Middlesex County planned a $1,000-per-set local match, for a $16,000 match cost already budgeted in the meals tax grant-match line. The county’s finance department confirmed the matching funds are available and no additional appropriation was requested.

A motion to approve and accept the PPE grant was moved and passed by roll-call vote.