WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) have announced $87,414 in federal funding for the West Lanham Hills Volunteer Fire Department. The funding comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. 

The money will be used to finance upgrades to critical safety and extrication equipment. The department’s current hydraulic extrication tools are more than 18 years old, have significant wear and tear, and do not have sufficient spreading capabilities. The department has lost two engines in recent years, straining resources for other essential equipment upgrades. 

“Nothing is more important than the safety and security of our communities, and their safety directly depends on ensuring our first responders have the resources they need to safely mitigate emergencies,” said Senator Cardin. “This grant represents a federal investment in Marylanders’ wellbeing and is exactly the kind of funding I will continue to fight for on behalf of all our first responders.”

“This grant will help our local firefighters battle blazes and save lives,” said Senator Van Hollen. “We must fight to protect this funding, which gives our first responders the tools they need to safely get those in danger out of harm’s way.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program seeks to improve the safety of both the public and first responder personnel by awarding federal funding to fire departments, Emergency Medical Services organizations, and State Fire Training Academies across the country.

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