WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Paul S. Sarbanes (both D-Md.) today announced the Abingdon Volunteer Fire Department in Harford County has been awarded $65,250 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 enough staff, and the best equipment, training and resources. I will keep fighting for a federal investment in the safety of our first responders and Harford County communities. Congratulations to the Abingdon Volunteer Fire 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 Abingdon Volunteer Fire Department will use its $65,250 for recruitment and retention activities for its newest station in Edgewood. The department will develop a multi-media outreach campaign that includes radio and newspaper spots, recruitment posters and flyers.  The department has approximately 150 active members, but the majority of its members belong to its main station in Abingdon.  It is looking to increase membership in the Edgewood area – an area that is increasing in population and call volume.  Abingdon will be dedicating its newest station in Edgewood toward the end of October. For more information, call Ronald Evans at 410-639-3955.

The funding comes from a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant under the AFGP. This is the third award for Abingdon Volunteer Fire Department.  In 2003, the department was awarded a $44,915 fire grant, and in 2004 it received a $283,478 fire grant. This is the first award to a Harford County department this year and is part of the first round of awards to Maryland for the FY 2006 funding cycle.

Senators Mikulski and Sarbanes criticized the lack of support for America’s firefighters in President Bush’s FY 2007 budget, which cut $244 million in federal support for the AFGP. In addition, the President’s budget eliminates funding for SAFER grants, which received $105.8 million in FY 2006.

“How can the President support Homeland Security when he has cut 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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