Van Hollen, Cardin Announce Over $560,000 for Eastern Shore Fire Departments

Van Hollen, Cardin Announce Over $560,000 for Eastern Shore Fire Departments

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin announced $566,481.89 in federal funding for three Eastern Shore fire departments to upgrade personal protective equipment. The funding will enhance emergency response capabilities and ensure better protection for the public and the firefighters.

"Our firefighters commit to putting their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. This federal funding will provide local Shore fire departments with the tools they need to better protect themselves and our communities," said Senator Van Hollen.

"Firefighting is a selfless job that requires brave Marylanders to run toward danger. These federal awards reflect our commitment to the men and women who are there for us during our most trying times," said Senator Cardin. "It is crucial that firefighters on the Eastern Shore and throughout our state have the resources they need to handle any situation they encounter."

The federal grants have been awarded as follows:

1. $265,339.04 to the Ocean City Fire Department to acquire additional personal protective equipment, including 63 structural firefighting helmets, 70 hoods, 40 turnout coats, 35 pairs of turnout pants, 48 pairs of structural firefighting boots, 192 pairs of gloves, 14 complete sets of gear, and 115 equipment bags
2. $257,142.85 to the Marion Volunteer Fire Department in Somerset County to replace 25 sets of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
3. $44,000 to the Betterton Volunteer Fire Company in Kent Countyto purchase 12 sets of personal protective equipment

The awards are provided through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program with funds from FY2023 annual appropriations, which the lawmakers fought to secure. The Senators 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.