WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Benjamin L. Cardin (both D-Md.) and Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.) today announced the Liberty Road Volunteer Fire Department in Baltimore has been awarded $9,720 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. Congressman Ruppersberger is on the House Appropriations 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.”

“Our firefighters, police officers, and EMTs are our first line of defense protecting our families and our communities in an emergency. It is critically important that they have the tools they need to get the job done. This funding will help them do that,” said Congressman Ruppersberger. “I will continue to fight on Capitol Hill for more funding for Maryland first responders.”

The Liberty Road Volunteer Fire Department will use its $9,720 grant to purchase new fire hoses to replace badly worn hoses in critical need of replacement. For more information, call Joseph Dennis at 410-887-0651.

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 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) units have received more than $62 million in AFGP funding, nearly $6 million of which has gone to fire departments and EMS units in Baltimore County.