WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski, together with U.S. Representative John Delaney (all D-Md.) today announced the Tri-Towns Ambulance and Rescue Company has been awarded $49,143 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program to purchase life-saving firefighting equipment. Senator Cardin is a member of the Finance Committee.
As the Vice-Chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Mikulski fights each year to increase federal funding for the fire grants program.
“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 Tri-Towns Ambulance and Rescue Company needs a strong federal partner that is as committed to their mission as they are.”
“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.”
“Our firefighters shouldn’t have to worry about the quality of their equipment whenever they respond to a local emergency – that should be a given,” said Congressman Delaney. “First responders make the safety of our communities a top priority, and this grant helps to ensure they’re working with the best tools available. When it comes to investments in our nation’s fire departments, the brave men and women in our fire service should have everything they need to do their job.”
The Tri-Towns Ambulance and Rescue Company will use the funding to purchase 40 sets of new OSHA compliant turn-out gear including coats, pants, gloves, boots, and helmets to keep emergency service workers safe in the line of duty. For more information, please contact Chief Bobby Pattison at 301-359-3067.
AFG grants fund firefighting equipment, personal protection equipment, training, firefighting vehicles, firefighter/first responder safety projects and staffing recruitment and retention, as well as public fire safety education.
Since 2001, Maryland fire departments and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) units have received more than $151 million in fire grant funding, over $6.2 million of which has gone to Allegany County Fire and EMS Departments.
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