Van Hollen, Cardin Announce $346,858 for Community Fire Company of Rising Sun

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) have announced $346,858 in federal funding for the Community Fire Company of Rising Sun. The funding comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

The grant will enable the purchase of 58 sets of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) equipment and face masks. Rising Sun volunteer first responders are currently using SCBA equipment that is 17 years old - well past their useful lifespan.

"This grant will help our local firefighters battle blazes and save lives," said Senator Van Hollen."We must fight to protect this funding, which gives our first responders the tools they need to safely get those in need out of harm's way."

"Nothing is more important than the safety and security of our communities, and their safety directly depends on ensuring our first responders have the resources they need to safely mitigate emergencies," said Senator Cardin. "This grant represents a federal investment in Marylanders' wellbeing and is exactly the kind of funding I will continue to fight for on behalf of all our first responders."

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program seeks to improve the safety of both the public and first responder personnel by awarding federal funding to fire departments, Emergency Medical Services organizations, and State Fire Training Academies across the country.