Sens. Mikulski, Cardin Announce Funding For Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Benjamin L. Cardin both D-Md.) today announced the Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company has been awarded more than $80,000 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 a member of the Budget Committee, which each year sets priorities for funding to federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security.

“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.”

Senator Cardin said, “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. 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 Fallston Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company has been awarded $81,225 to install a diesel exhaust system in two of its stations. These new systems will remove harmful carcinogens generated by the exhaust of the fire and emergency medical services (EMS) trucks in the engine bays. This is the second award for the FVFAC. In 2006, the company was awarded $85,663 to acquire new turn out gear for its volunteers. For more information, please contact Jim McCready at 410-638-4890.

AFGP grants fund firefighting equipment, personal protection equipment, training, firefighting vehicles, firefighter/first responder safety projects, and staffing recruitment and retention. Since 2001, Harford County fire and EMS departments have been awarded nearly $8 million in AFGP funding. Statewide, Maryland Fire and EMS departments have been awarded more than $68 million.