WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced the Corriganville Volunteer Fire Department in Allegany County has been awarded $42,370 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP).
Senator Mikulski is on the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the AFGP and fights each year to increase its federal funding.
Senator Cardin is on the Budget Committee, which each year sets priorities for funding to federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security.
“First responders have always been on the front lines, keeping our families and our neighborhoods safe from harm.
I thank these brave men and women for their continuing service and sense of duty to our community,” said
Senator Cardin.
“I am proud to support federal investment through local grants like this, which is essential to ensure our community heroes have the equipment and training they need to do their jobs safely and efficiently.”
“I know how important this funding is to Maryland communities – often it’s the difference between life and death.
First responders protect our homes and communities, and the federal government has a responsibility to protect them by providing them with the tools they need to do their jobs safer and smarter,” said
Senator Mikulski.
“Every day when our first responders report for duty, they don’t know what they will face.
That’s why I fight every year for the equipment, training, and staffing our protectors and communities deserve.”
The Corriganville Volunteer Fire Department will use the funding to purchase two Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) kits.
RIT kits are used to rescue firefighters when they become trapped in a burning structure.
They contain oxygen, portable radios, locator beacons and other rescue tools.
This is the second AFGP award for the Corriganville Volunteer Fire Department.
In 2006, the Department was awarded $126,250 to purchase a thermal imagining camera, new communications equipment and turnout gear.
Since 2001, Allegany County fire and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) departments have received more than $3.4 million in AFGP funds.
For more information, call Jeff DeHaven at 301-722-7418.
AFGP grants fund firefighting equipment, personal protection equipment, training, firefighting vehicles, firefighter/first responder safety projects, and staffing recruitment and retention.
