WASHINGTON
,
D.C.
–
Senators Benjamin L. Cardin
and
Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD today announced the Baltimore City Fire Department has been awarded $906,080 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 a member of 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 Baltimore City Fire Department, awarded $906,080
under the Operations & Safety program area of AFGP, was awarded the grant to create a health and wellness program for
Baltimore
‘s firefighters and
EMS
personnel. The funds will be used to provide annual physicals, fitness assessments and training programs aimed to increase fitness and health awareness among the city’s first responders.
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 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) units have received nearly $80 million in AFGP funding, over $5 million of which has gone to the Baltimore City Fire Department.
