Press Release

October 17, 2007
CARDIN, MIKULSKI ANNOUNCE LARGEST FIRE GRANT IN STATE HISTORY GOES TO BALTIMORE COUNTY FIREFIGHTERS
Nearly $1.75 million in federal funding

“Firefighter grants represent a major effort by the Federal government to ensure that our nation’s first responders have the equipment and training they need to do the job,” said Senator Cardin.  “Our firefighters are on the frontlines every day, and it is critical that they have the resources to deal with any emergency or life-threatening situation they may have to confront.”

The Baltimore County Fire Department will use its $1.75 million to provide new interoperable communications to every career and volunteer fire station throughout the county. This represents 33 volunteer stations and 25 career stations. For more information, call Chief John Hohman at 410-887-4511.

AFGP grants fund firefighting equipment, personal protection equipment, training, firefighting vehicles, firefighter/first responder safety projects, and staffing recruitment and retention. Since 2001, Maryland fire departments and fire service organizations have received approximately $52.2 million through the AFGP.

WASHINGTON, D.C.


Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and
Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced the Baltimore County Fire Department has been awarded nearly $1.75 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). This is the largest grant ever awarded to a Maryland fire department since the beginning of the AFGP in 2001. Senator Mikulski is on the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the AFGP and fights each year to increase its federal funding.

“First responders are our true heroes –
protecting our homes, our businesses and our communities.  I’m grateful for the sacrifices they make every day,” said Senator Mikulski.  “The federal government has a responsibility to protect our protectors, providing them with the tools they need to do their job safer and smarter.  That’s why I will continue to fight to provide the federal support they need to get the equipment, training and resources they deserve.”

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