WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Paul S. Sarbanes (both D-MD) today announced that the Department of Homeland Security, through its Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, is awarding $151,984 in federal funding to two Maryland Fire Departments. The money will be used to help them purchase new equipment.

“Firefighters are America’s true heroes,” said Senator Mikulski. “Each time they rush into a burning building, they risk their lives to save others. We need to protect the protectors by making sure they have the best equipment and best safety gear so they can do their jobs. Almost 20,000 fire departments across the country applied for federal funding this year to buy new fire trucks, safety gear, and hi-tech equipment. You can count on me to continue fighting for federal funding to help meet the needs of the firefighters in Maryland and across the country. Congratulations to these departments on being awarded this well-deserved money.”

"As was demonstrated during the 9/11 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 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."

Crumpton Volunteer Fire Department – $123,300
Crumpton Volunteer Fire Department, in Queen Anne’s County, will use this federal grant money to purchase 20 sets of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) equipment. The new protective breathing apparatus equipment will meet current OSHA standards. The remaining funds will be used to purchase a Cascade Air System. The firefighters currently have to travel over 20 miles away to refill their SCBA equipment with fresh air. With the addition of this cascade system, nearby departments can also use Crumpton’s refill system.

Hancock Fire Company – $25,684
The Hancock Fire Company, in Washington County, will use this federal funding to launch a Fire prevention program, which includes informational brochures and multimedia displays. The program also includes the installation of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers in homes and public buildings.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is a competitive grant program open to fire departments nationwide. Fire departments can apply for money for training, firefighting equipment, protective gear, fire prevention programs, and firefighting vehicles. More than 19,950 fire departments applied for funding this year, totaling $2.5 billion in requests.

In February 2003, Senator Mikulski sent a letter to each Maryland Fire Department to make sure they were aware of the availability of federal funds to help them pay for equipment and training. On March 30th, in conjunction with the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute and the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, Senator Mikulski organized a state-wide workshop on the Assistance to Firefighters Fire Act Grant Program. At the workshop, representatives from fire departments from across Maryland learned how to write effective grant proposals.

Senator Mikulski is on the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Department of Homeland Security and its Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. She fights each year to increase funding for the grant program, which is funded at $750 million this year – up from $360 million in 2002.

Earlier this year Senator Mikulski introduced an amendment to the Homeland Security spending bill that would have increased federal funding for Fire Grant Program by $150 million, funding it at its authorized level of $900 million. Senator Mikulski’s amendment failed by a vote of 48-49.

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