WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced the Community Fire Company of Rising Sun has been awarded $42,062 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program to purchase life-saving firefighting equipment. 

“When the worst happens it is crucial that our first responders have the latest in life saving skills and technology,” said Senator Cardin. “I applaud the Department of Homeland Security for awarding this public safety grant to the people of Rising Sun. The jaws of life are the ultimate in emergency rescue equipment. This federal grant will save lives in Cecil County.”

“I know how important this funding is to Maryland communities – often it’s the difference between life and death. First responders protect our homes and communities, and the federal government has a responsibility to protect them by providing them with the tools they need to do their jobs safer and smarter,” Senator Mikulski said. “Every day when our first responders report for duty, they don’t know what they will face. That’s why I fight every year for the equipment, training, and staffing our protectors and communities deserve.”

The Community Fire Company of Rising Sun will use the competitive award to replace 30-year-old hydraulic rescue tools that aid in vehicle extraction. Tools include “jaws of life,” spreaders and pumpers. For more information, please contact Matthew Blakely at 410-585-5115.

AFGP grants fund firefighting equipment, personal protection equipment, training, firefighting vehicles, firefighter/first responder safety projects, and staffing recruitment and retention, as well as public fire safety education.

Since 2001, Maryland fire departments and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) units have received over $136.5 million in fire grant funding, $3 million of which has gone to fire departments and EMS units in Cecil County. 

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