Skip to content
  1. News
  2. Press Releases

Maryland Delegation Members Announce Nearly $580,000 in Federal Funding for Firefighters in Southern Maryland

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Representative Steny Hoyer (all D-Md.) today announced an award of $576,562.77 in federal funding for firefighters and first responders in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s Counties.

“Maryland’s firefighters risk life and limb for our local communities. This funding means Southern Maryland firefighters can buy equipment to better protect themselves and the communities they serve,” said Senator Van Hollen. “I will keep fighting to ensure that Maryland’s first responders have the resources they need to do their job safely.”

“In the midst of this public health crisis, Maryland’s brave firefighters and first responders are being asked to do more with less,” said Senator Cardin. “I’m proud that Team Maryland was able to secure more federal funds for first responders in Southern Maryland to ensure that they are always equipped with the tools and resources necessary to protect their safety and the safety of those they serve.”

“I’m pleased our first responders in Southern Maryland will receive this key funding,” said Congressman Hoyer. “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our firefighters and first responders have put their safety on the line to protect our communities. It is critically important that we ensure they have the resources they need to protect themselves and Maryland families.” 

The award recipients are as follows:

  • La Plata Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. - La Plata, Md.: $232,363.64
  • Hollywood VFD – Hollywood, Md.: $262,380.95  
  • Calvert County Government: $81,818.18

The funding was awarded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters program. The AFG program provides grants directly to fire departments, nonaffiliated Emergency Medical Services organizations, and state fire training academies to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first responder personnel.

The Members worked to secure $355 million for the AFG program for Fiscal Year 2020 as well as $100 million for the Fiscal Year 2020 AFG-S program, and continue to work towards robust funding for the program – including by urging FEMA Administrator Gaynor to increase federal support for firefighters as the COVID-19 crisis devastates state and local budgets.