WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) today announced that the Cecilton Volunteer Fire Company has received a $48,500 U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (RD) grant to provide the volunteer fire station in Cecilton with new equipment. 

“It’s critical that we ensure that our first responders have the tools they need to keep our families and communities safe,” Senator Cardin said.  “This grant will give provide the brave men and women of the Cecilton Volunteer Fire Company with the resources they need to do their job of protecting the community.” 

“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,” Senator Mikulski said. “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 Cecilton Volunteer Fire Company will use the funds to purchase equipment to provide fire, rescue, and emergency responder services to the area.  In addition to RD funds, the Cecilton Volunteer Fire Company is providing $39,792, bringing the total project cost to $88,292.  The USDA Rural Development program is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. They achieve their mission by helping rural individuals, communities and businesses obtain the financial and technical assistance needed to address their diverse and unique needs.

###