Virginia's State Public Safety Agencies Raise more than $189,000 for Disaster Victims

Commonwealth of Virginia
Office of Governor Bob McDonnell

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 21, 2011 

Contact: Taylor Thornley
Phone: (804) 225-4262
Email: Taylor.Thornley@Governor.Virginia.Gov

Virginia Department of Emergency Management
Contact: Laura Southard
Phone: (804) 674-2400
Email: Laura.Southard@vdem.virginia.gov

Virginia’s State Public Safety Agencies Raise more than $189,000 for Disaster Victims

RICHMOND – State agencies dedicated to public safety held the Virginia Public Safety Expo Nov. 10 to benefit the Virginia Disaster Relief Fund.  The fund was established by Governor Bob McDonnell earlier this year to help Virginians recover from disasters.

More than 700 local, state and federal public safety employees viewed demonstrations and participated in training.  Demonstrations included a bomb-investigating robot and K-9 drug detection.  Participants also saw specialized emergency equipment, training equipment, high-tech response vehicles and exhibits.  Additionally, attendees were able to tour the Virginia Emergency Operations Center.  Photos from the Virginia Public Safety Expo can be viewed here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vadot/sets/72157628011374175/

“This year Virginia has experienced severe wildfires, tornadoes, an earthquake and prolonged aftershocks, and flooding as well as severe winds associated with a hurricane and tropical storm,” said Governor McDonnell. “Our dedicated public safety officials prepared for and responded to each of these natural disasters in an exemplary manner and deserve the thanks of every Virginian.  I thank them for once again rising to the occasion and hosting the Virginia Public Safety Expo to raise needed funds for Virginians who have been affected by natural disasters this year.”

“The purpose of the Expo was to highlight the capabilities of the state public safety agencies while simultaneously raising awareness of the Disaster Relief Fund and the continuing effort to assist Virginians who were severely impacted this year by natural disasters,”  said Virginia Secretary of Public Safety Marla Graff Decker.  “The money raised by the agencies will be deposited into the fund along with the generous contributions made by state employees.  This is yet another example of the dedication and generosity of our state employees and public safety professionals.” 

In total, the Expo and other state public safety agency fundraising initiatives raised more than $189,000, which included $745 from a Virginia Department of Emergency Management bake sale and $2,900 from sales of lunch prepared by the Virginia Department of Corrections and the Virginia Parole Board.  The total sum includes money donated by citizens at ABC stores throughout the Commonwealth.
 
Participating agencies included the Commonwealth’s Attorneys’ Services Council and the Virginia departments of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Correctional Education, Corrections, Criminal Justice Services, Emergency Management, Fire Programs, Forensic Science, Juvenile Justice, Military Affairs, Parole Board and State Police.

All Virginians can make a donation to the fund at any time online at http://www.DisasterFund.virginia.gov/. 
 

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