Van Hollen, Cardin, Trone Announce $627,000 for Firefighters, First Responders in Western Maryland

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $627,785.49 in federal funding to support firefighters and first responders across Western Maryland. The funding will enhance emergency response capabilities through equipment and facility upgrades, ensuring better protection for the public and the volunteer firefighters. These awards come after the lawmakers previously announced $838,000 last month for Western Maryland fire departments and emergency response agencies.

“Western Maryland residents have always been able to count on their firefighters and first responders when emergencies arise. This federal funding will help ensure local fire departments have the resources they need to continue keeping our communities safe,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Firefighters are beacons of their communities, providing life-saving care in our scariest moments. They have our back, and Team Maryland has theirs. We will continue to fight for funding that protects our protectors,” said Senator Cardin.

“My responsibility on the House Appropriations Committee is to fight for and secure the funding Marylanders deserve,” said Congressman David Trone. “I’m proud Team Maryland is able to further support the firefighters and first responders keeping our communities safe.”

The federal grants have been awarded as follows:

1. $276,254.54 to replace outdated hoses and nozzles at seven Allegany County Fire Departments, including Barton Fire Department, Goodwill Fire Company, Borden Shaft Volunteer Fire Department, LaVale Volunteer Fire Department, Baltimore Pike Volunteer Fire Company, Cresaptown Volunteer Fire Department, and Oldtown Volunteer Fire Department
2. $222,035.23 to Garrett County to replace outdated fire hoses at Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Company, Oakland Volunteer Fire Department, and Gorman Fire Department
3. $63,142.85 to Bedford Road Volunteer Fire Company in Allegany County to purchase 17 new sets of personal protective equipment
4. $41,876.68 to Williamsport Volunteer Fire and EMS Company in Washington County to replace outdated fire hoses and nozzles and purchase two thermal imaging cameras
5. $24,476.19 to Midland Fire Company in Allegany County to purchase a new gear washer and dryer

The awards are provided through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program with funds from FY2023 annual appropriations, that the lawmakers fought to secure. The lawmakers additionally worked to reauthorize the AFG program through FY2028 within the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023 which passed Congress and was signed into law earlier this year.