Mikulski, Cardin, Ruppersberger Announce Federal Funding to Purchase Lifesaving Equipment for Baltimore County Firefighters

September 28, 2012

WASHINGTON– U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Ben Cardin along with U.S. Representative C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (all D-Md.) today announced that the Rockaway Beach Volunteer Fire Company in Baltimore County will receive $57,000 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to purchase lifesaving equipment. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Mikulski fights each year to increase federal funding for the fire grants program. Senator Cardin is a member of the Finance and Budget committees.

"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."  

"From fires to natural disasters to possible terrorist threats, these brave men and women put their lives on the line for all of us.  Federal investment in our first responders is vital because we must ensure that they have the equipment and training they need to protect us from harm and to perform their jobs safely and efficiently," said Senator Cardin.

"When times are tough, government must focus on the basics and this grant shows our commitment to the most basic government service - public safety," said Congressman Ruppersberger. "This critical funding will enable the Rockaway Beach Volunteer Fire Company to purchase new protective clothing and equipment to help quickly extinguish brush fires in the Back River Neck Peninsula. These men and women are putting their lives on the line each day and it is our responsibility to protect them while they protect us."

The Rockaway Beach Volunteer Fire Company will use the grant funds to purchase 15 to 20 sets of turn out gear, protecting firefighters from harsh and dangerous conditions, as well as a new pump, tank and hose reel. This lifesaving equipment will replace current gear that is no longer compliant. For more information about the award, please contact Captain Ryan Knapik, 410-905-9917.  

AFGP grants fund firefighting equipment, personal protection equipment, training, firefighting vehicles, firefighter/first responder safety projects, and staffing recruitment and retention, as well as public fire safety education.

Since 2001, Maryland fire departments and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) units have received nearly $118 million in AFGP funding, more than $9,090,984 of which has gone to Baltimore County Fire & EMS Departments.