WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) announced that the Newburg Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department of Charles County has been awarded $177,239 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) to purchase 30 new sets of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus to replace equipment that is outdated, past its useful lifespan and no longer compliant with National Fire Protection Association standards.
“Newburg’s first responders deserve every resource they need to safely go about the difficult and dangerous business of saving lives. This federal investment delivers exactly that, helping to ensure more of our firefighters return home safely,” said Senator Cardin. “I’m committed to bringing these critical investments to first responders across our whole state.”
“This grant will help Newburg’s 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.”
The AFG program awards grants directly to fire departments, non-affiliated 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.
As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Van Hollen worked to secure $345 million for the AFG program in the recent budget agreement for Fiscal Year 2017.