WASHINGTON
—
U.S.
Senators Benjamin L. Cardin
and
Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) today announced the Norrisville Volunteer Fire Company won $95,333 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) grant program to purchase firefighting gear and other equipment. Senator Mikulski is on the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the AFGP and fights each year to increase its federal funding.
Senator Cardin is
Chairman of the Homeland Security and Terrorism Subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee.
Senator Cardin said, “First responders have always been on the front lines, protecting our families and keeping our communities safe from harm. From fires to natural disasters to possible threats to our nation’s security, I thank these brave men and women for their continuing service and sense of duty. I support federal investments like this because our first responders must have the equipment and training they need to do their jobs safely and efficiently.”
“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 Norrisville Volunteer Fire Company will purchase 35 sets of protective gear with the funds, replacing the aging gear currently in use. The company will also purchase a washer/dryer to clean new and existing gear.
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 nearly $90 million in AFGP funding, nearly $2 million of which has gone to fire departments and EMS units in
Harford
County
.
