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**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Liz Lubow**

**June 12, 2003 Amy Hagovsky**

**202-228-1122**

**[http://mikulski.senate.gov]{.underline}**

Number range CHAPTER**MIKULSKI AND SARBANES ANNOUNCE ABINGDON FIRE
DEPARTMENT**

**TO RECEIVE FEDERAL FUNDING FOR NEW EQUIPMENT**

Number range CHAPTER**WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Barbara A.
Mikulski** and **Paul S. Sarbanes** (both D-MD) today announced that
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), through its Assistance to
Firefighters Grant Program, is awarding \$44,915 in federal funding to
the Abingdon Maryland Fire Company. The money will be used to help the
department purchase new breathing apparatus equipment.

Number range CHAPTER"Firefighters are America's true heroes," said
Senator Mikulski. "Each time they rush into a burning building, they
risk their lives to save others. We need to protect the protectors by
making sure they have the best equipment and best safety gear so they
can do their jobs. Almost 20,000 fire departments across the country
applied for federal funding this year to buy new fire trucks, safety
gear, and hi-tech equipment. You can count on me to continue fighting
for federal funding to help meet the needs of the firefighters in
Maryland and across the country. Congratulations to Abingdon on being
awarded this well-deserved money."

"As was demonstrated during the 9/11 tragedies and during many other
emergencies across Maryland and the Nation, the heroism and diligence of
America's firefighters is crucial to the health and safety of every
community in the country," said Sarbanes. "The hard working firefighters
at these fire departments deserve the most up-to-date equipment, and I
am pleased that this FEMA funding is being awarded to assist them in
their efforts to protect their respective communities."

The Abingdon Fire Department will use this money to purchase a new
Cascade Breathing Apparatus System. Their current system is 12 years old
and outdated. The System, which is designed to be used on board a fire
truck, will allow rapid refill of air tanks while at the scene of a
fire. This equipment will serve as the primary breathing air supply for
137 firefighters and EMS members, as well as five additional companies
in the area.

Number range CHAPTERFEMA's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is a
competitive grant program open to fire departments nationwide. Fire
departments can apply for money for training, firefighting equipment,
protective gear, fire prevention programs, and firefighting vehicles.
FEMA received more than 19,950 applications this year, totaling \$2.5
billion in requests.

**- more -**

Senator Mikulski is the senior democrat on the appropriations
subcommittee that funds FEMA and the Assistance to Firefighters Grant
Program. She fights each year to increase funding for the grant program,
which is funded at \$750 million this year -- up from \$360 million in
2002.

Number range CHAPTERIn February 2003, Senator Mikulski sent a letter to
each Maryland Fire Department, including Abingdon, to make sure they
were aware of the availability of federal funds to help them pay for
equipment and training. On March 30^th^, in conjunction with the
Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute and the Maryland State Firemen's
Association, Senator Mikulski organized a state-wide workshop on the
Assistance to Firefighters Fire Act Grant Program. At the workshop,
representatives from fire departments from across Maryland learned how
to write effective grant proposals.

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