Press Release

May 31, 2013
Cardin, Mikulski, Van Hollen Announce Federal Funding For Fire Prevention & Safety Campaign In Montgomery County

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski, along with U.S. Representative Chris Van Hollen (all D-Md.) today announced the Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Services has been awarded $26,160 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grants, a part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program (AFG). The award will be used to initiate an educational campaign on fire prevention and safety in the county. 

 

“Our first responders need the right resources at the ready to protect them as they protect the public during natural disasters or man-made crises. They are our first line of defense and we want them all to return home to their families safely,” said Senator Cardin.  “This federal funding is an important investment in keeping Maryland families and businesses safe if and when a disaster strikes.”

 

“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.”

 

 

“Every day firefighters in our community and across the country risk their lives to protect us, and we must do everything we can to support their work. This grant will help Montgomery County educate the public, especially young children and seniors, about fire prevention and safety. It is a key part of their work to keep our families and businesses safe,” Congressman Van Hollen said.

 

The Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Services will use the competitive award to begin a Public Safety Education campaign on Fire Prevention and Safety in Montgomery County.  The campaign will target seniors and young children in pre-k and kindergarten. For more information, please contact Joe Coyne at 240-777-2438.

 

FP&S grants are part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and hazard emergencies. 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 almost $127 million in fire grant funding.  Montgomery County Fire & EMS Departments have been awarded nearly $15 million since 2001.

 

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