Press Release

July 15, 2015
Cardin, Mikulski Announce $18,715 In Federal Funds to Riverdale Volunteer Fire Department in Prince George’s County

WASHINGTONU.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced that the Riverdale Volunteer Fire Department (RVFD) will receive $18,715 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program (AFG) to purchase personal escape equipment.

 

“When others are running away from danger, the men and women of the Prince George’s County Fire Department are running towards it,” said Senator Cardin. “I am proud to fight for the federal investments that help make sure the first responders safeguarding our families make it home safely to their own. It is a matter of national security that the federal government is a strong partner with municipalities to ensure public safety for our local communities.”

 

“Firefighters and their families already understand the hazards of being on the job, whether it is rushing into a burning building or suffering from physical exhaustion and injury. These funds in the federal checkbook are crucial to providing training to protect our protectors,” Senator Mikulski said. “First responders protect our homes and communities, and the federal government has a responsibility to protect them by providing them with the tools and training they need to do their jobs safer and smarter. I will continue to fight for the training, equipment and staffing our protectors and communities deserve.”

 

RVFD will use this federal funding to emergency purchase personal escape equipment for emergency escape from burning buildings when exit routes have been blocked and firefighters must exit quickly out the nearest window.  The equipment includes emergency ropes for propelling down the side of a building when necessary. For more information, please contact John Lamphier at 301-883-7707.

 

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is an important component of the larger, coordinated effort to strengthen the Nation’s overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards. Since 2001, the AFG has provided approximately $6.1 billion in grants to first-responder organizations to obtain much-needed emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training. During fiscal year (FY) 2014, the AFG will award $304.5 million to first-responder organizations that need support to improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.

 

Since 2001, Maryland fire departments and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) units have received just over $162 million in fire grant funding, of which more than $28 million has been awarded to fire departments in Prince George’s.

 

 

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