News From U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski

News From

U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski

Democrat from Maryland

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MIKULSKI, CARDIN ANNOUNCE FEDERAL FUNDING FOR

SOMERSET COUNTY FIREFIGHTERS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Benjamin L. Cardin (both D-Md.) today announced the Ewell Volunteer Fire Department has been awarded $86,925 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). Senator Mikulski is on the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the AFGP and fights each year to increase its federal funding. Senator Cardin is on the Budget Committee.

“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,” said Senator Mikulski. “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.”

“First responders have always been on the front lines, keeping our families and our neighborhoods safe from harm. I thank these brave men and women for their continuing service and sense of duty to our community,” said Senator Cardin. “I am proud to support federal investment through local grants like this, which is essential to ensure our community heroes have the equipment and training they need to do their jobs safely and efficiently.”

The Ewell Volunteer Fire Department in Somerset County will use its $86,925 to purchase 15 new Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units with spare bottles, face masks and hoods. This is the second award for the department. In 2005, it received $38,000 to purchase new turn out gear. For more information, call Charles Cavanaugh at 410-651-9641. Since 2001, Somerset County fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) departments have been awarded $970,179 in AFGP funds.

In his 2008 budget, President Bush only requested $287 million for the AFGP, down from $547 million last year. The Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee increased funding to $560 million in the omnibus spending package that the President signed into law in December. It also includes $190 million, an increase of $75 million, for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants, also under the AFGP. President Bush’s budget eliminated funding for SAFER grants for the second year in a row.

AFGP grants fund firefighting equipment, personal protection equipment, training, firefighting vehicles, firefighter/first responder safety projects, and staffing recruitment and retention. Since 2001, Maryland fire departments and fire service organizations have received nearly $56 million through the AFGP.