WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced that the Middle River Volunteer Ambulance Rescue Company, Inc., (MRVARC) will receive $20,000 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program (AFG) to purchase a new gear washer and dryer to remove harmful carcinogens and bodily fluids from personal protective gear.
“Our first responders and their families deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing they have the equipment they need to get the job done and come home safely,” said Senator Cardin. “The men and women of MRVARC need a strong federal partner that is as committed to their mission as they are.”
“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.”
MRVARC will use this federal funding to purchase a gear washer and dryer which will allow the Department to clean personal protective gear directly on site rather than sending out for cleaning. When gear is sent out for cleaning it may be out of service for a week and is expensive to clean. By cleaning on site, the gear can be back in service by the next day. For more information, please contact Paul Sullivan at 410-887-0330.
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 $16 million has been awarded to fire departments in Baltimore County.
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