WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Congressman Steny Hoyer (all D-Md.) announced $707,877.04 in federal funding for seven fire departments in Charles and St. Mary’s Counties. The funding will enhance emergency response capabilities through equipment upgrades, ensuring better protection for both the public and the firefighters themselves.

“As lawmakers, we have a responsibility to protect our protectors, providing them with the tools they need to do their job safer and smarter. Volunteering is a labor of love, and we’re so proud that this federal funding will equip these Southern Maryland heroes with state-of-the-art technology to keep their community safe,” said Senator Cardin.

“Our volunteer firefighters in Charles and St. Mary’s Counties work tirelessly to protect the community, and ensuring they have the safety equipment they need is critical. This federal funding will provide our local fire departments with the resources to help keep the public and themselves safe during an emergency,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“I was pleased to help our volunteer firefighters in Southern Maryland secure the federal resources they need to keep their fellow Marylanders safe,” said Congressman Hoyer. “Our firefighters risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of our neighbors and communities. As a co-chair and longtime member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I will do everything I can to back our firefighters as they fulfill their crucial mission.”

The federal grants have been awarded as follows:

1. $480,000 for 110 sets of turn out gear for the Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department, Bryans Road Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad, Benedict Volunteer Fire Department, Tenth District Volunteer Fire Department, and Dentsville Volunteer EMS, Fire and Auxiliary in Charles County. The new equipment will replace outdated turn out gear that is no longer compliant with National Fire Protection Association standards.
2. $153,695.23 for the Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department in Charles County to replace outdated fire hoses and nozzles.
3. $74,181.81 for the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department in St. Mary’s County to replace 17 sets of turnout gear.

The awards are provided through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program with funds from FY2023 annual appropriations, which the lawmakers fought to secure.

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