WASHINGTON, DC — On August 5, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman David Trone (all Democrats, Maryland) announced $838,351.13 in federal funding to support firefighters and first responders in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett and Washington Counties in Maryland.
The funds will be used to improve emergency response through training and equipment improvements to provide better protection for both the public and firefighters themselves.
“Maryland’s firefighters and emergency responders put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. This federal funding will help ensure they have the resources and training they need to continue to keep Maryland’s citizens safe,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“Firefighters and first responders provide life-saving services in all types of emergencies and must be prepared for any situation. These funds will help better train and equip emergency services personnel in Western Maryland and expand and strengthen their important public safety work,” said Senator Cardin.
“As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I was proud to secure these funds through our annual budget appropriations process, improve the safety of our communities, and equip our emergency personnel with the skills and tools needed to protect Marylanders,” said Congressman David Trone. “It’s a direct investment in our first responders and the safety of every resident, and Team Maryland gets the job done.”
The following federal grants were awarded:
- $392,828.59 to the Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue in Frederick County for traffic accident management training
- $40,200 to the Middletown Volunteer Fire Department in Frederick County to replace outdated fire hoses and nozzles
- $146,846.36 to the Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Department in Washington County for the replacement of outdated fire hoses and nozzles and the installation of a diesel exhaust extraction system
- $68,000 to Boonsboro Ambulance & Rescue in Washington County for the installation of a diesel exhaust extraction system
- $95,238.09 to Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Co., Inc. in Garrett County for the installation of a diesel exhaust extraction system
- $95,238.09 to Barton Hose Company No. 1 of Allegany County for the installation of a diesel exhaust extraction system
The awards will be made through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program using funds from the fiscal year 2023 annual appropriations that lawmakers worked to secure.
Lawmakers also worked to extend the AFG program through fiscal year 2028 under the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023, which was passed by Congress and signed into law earlier this year.
Grant provides the necessary equipment for the firefighters at Mt. Aetna
