Mikulski, Cardin Announce $21,091 in Federal Funding to Purchase Equipment Supporting Firefighters in Prince George's County

Press Release

U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) today announced that the Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad has been awarded $21,091 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. As the Vice-Chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Mikulski fights each year to increase federal funding for the fire grants program. Senator Cardin is a member of the Finance Committee.

"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 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 men and women of the Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad need a strong federal partner that is as committed to their mission as they are."

The Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad will use this federal funding to purchase two gear washers and dryers. The gear washers and dryers allow for the removal of harmful carcinogens and bodily fluids in a safe and effective manner and allow the equipment to be put back into service much quicker. For more information, please contact Michael Haggerty at 301-725-3345.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is an important component of the larger, coordinated effort to strengthen the Nation's overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards. Since 2001, the AFG has provided approximately $6.1 billion in grants to first-responder organizations to obtain much-needed emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training. During fiscal year (FY) 2014, the AFG will award $304.5 million to first-responder organizations that need support to improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.

Since 2001, Maryland fire departments and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) units have received nearly $168 million in fire grant funding, of which more than $22 million has been awarded to fire departments in Prince George's County.

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