Firefighters, first responders in Western Maryland awarded $838,000

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Aug. 5, U.S. Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin, and Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $838,351.13 in federal funding to support Maryland firefighters and first responders in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett and Washington counties.

The funding will enhance emergency response capabilities through both training and equipment upgrades, ensuring better protection for both the public and the firefighters themselves.

“Maryland’s firefighters and first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. This federal funding will help ensure they have the resources and training they need to continue keeping Marylanders safe,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Firefighters and first responders deliver life-saving services in all types of emergencies and need to be prepared in any environment. This funding will better train and equip Western Maryland’s emergency services personnel and help extend and strengthen their critical public safety work,” said Senator Cardin.

“As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I was proud to help secure this funding through our annual appropriations process, advancing our communities’ safety and equipping our emergency personnel with the skills and tools necessary to protect Marylanders,” said Congressman David Trone. “It’s a direct investment in our first responders and the security of every resident, and Team Maryland is getting the job done.”

Federal grants that have been awarded are:

• $392,828.59 to Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue in Frederick County for traffic incident management training
• $40,200 to Middletown Volunteer Fire Company in Frederick County to replace outdated fire hoses and nozzles
• $146,846.36 to Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Co. in Washington County to replace outdated fire hoses and nozzles, and install a diesel exhaust extraction system
• $68,000 to Boonsboro Ambulance & Rescue in Washington County to install a diesel exhaust extraction system
• $95,238.09 to Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Co., Inc. in Garrett County to install a diesel exhaust extraction system
• $95,238.09 to Barton Hose Company No. 1 in Allegany County to install a diesel exhaust extraction system

The awards are provided through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program with funds from FY2023 annual appropriations, that the lawmakers fought to secure.

The lawmakers additionally worked to reauthorize the AFG program through FY2028 within the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023 which passed Congress and was signed into law earlier this year.

Grant provides needed gear for Mt. Aetna firefighters

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Firefighters, first responders in Western Maryland awarded $838,000