WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Paul S. Sarbanes (both D-Md.) today announced that two Frederick County fire departments have been awarded more than $158,000 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.

“I’m so proud of Maryland’s firefighters, risking their lives to protect others,” said Senator Mikulski. “But we need to protect our protectors with the best equipment training and resources. I will keep fighting for a federal investment in the safety of our first responders and Frederick County communities. Congratulations to these fire departments on being awarded this well-deserved money.”

“As was demonstrated during the 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina tragedies, and during other emergencies across Maryland and the Nation on an almost daily basis, the heroism and diligence of America’s firefighters and first responders is crucial to the health and safety of our communities,” said Senator Sarbanes. “These hard-working firefighters deserve the most-up-to-date equipment, and I am pleased that this funding is being awarded to assist them in their efforts to protect their respective communities.”

The Guardian Hose Company Inc. will use its $96,235 to purchase 12 new Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units, a Cascade air compressor to allow members to refill the air packs at the station, and two portable computers to be placed on fire engines and allow the department to uplink to the county’s communications system. For more information, call Chief Chris Kinnaird at 301-271-3413.

The Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue will use its $62,130 to purchase 40 sets of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) rescue gear. For more information, call Assistant Chief Nelson Smith at 301-816-5364.

The Department of Homeland Security 2007 spending bill that President Bush signed into law in October 2006 includes $662 million in federal funding for our nation’s firefighters through the AFGP. While this is significantly more than the President requested, it still falls short of the program's authorized funding level of $1 billion.

“How can the President support Homeland Security when he has proposed cuts to the most valuable funding source for America’s firefighters? We need to support our first responders with more than just words,” said Senator Mikulski.

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