![](media/image1.png){width="2.875in" height="1.5in"}

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Liz Poston**

**August 21, 2003 Amy Hagovsky**

**202-228-1122**

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

Number range CHAPTER**MIKULSKI AND SARBANES ANNOUNCE TWO MARYLAND FIRE
DEPARTMENTS TO RECEIVE FEDERAL FUNDING FOR NEW PROTECTIVE GEAR**

Number range CHAPTER**WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Barbara A.
Mikulski** and **Paul S. Sarbanes** (both D-MD) today announced that the
Department of Homeland Security, through its Assistance to Firefighters
Grant Program, is awarding federal funding to two Maryland Fire
Departments. The money will be used to help them purchase new safety
equipment.

[]{.mark}

Number range CHAPTER"We need to protect the protectors by making sure
our firefighters have the best equipment and best safety gear so they
can do their jobs," said Senator Mikulski. "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. Our local
firefighters can't afford to buy this expensive equipment on their own.
That's why I fight each year to increase funding for this grant program,
which helps meet the needs of the firefighters in Maryland and across
the country. Congratulations to these departments on being awarded this
well-deserved money."

[]{.mark}

"As was demonstrated during the 9/11 tragedies and during other
emergencies across Maryland and the Nation on an almost daily basis, the
heroism and diligence of America\'s firefighters and first responders is
crucial to the health and safety of our communities,\" said Sarbanes.
\"These hard-working firefighters deserve the most-up-to-date equipment,
and I am pleased that this funding is being awarded to assist them in
their efforts to protect their respective communities."

**Number range CHAPTERCharlestown Fire Company - \$43,200**

The department will use this grant money to purchase personal protective
equipment, including 30 sets of turnout gear. This new set of gear ---
including helmets, hoods, coats, pants, gloves and boots --- will ensure
that the Charlestown firefighters will have modern, lightweight, and
OSHA compliant gear. Senator Mikulski wrote to the David Paulison,
Administrator of the U.S. Fire Administration, urging them to give the
department's application favorable consideration.

[]{.mark}

**Wise Avenue Volunteer Fire Company -- \$46,710**

The Wise Avenue Volunteer Fire Company, serving the Dundalk area in
Baltimore County will use these funds to purchase a Diesel Exhaust
Capture and Removal System. In the firehouse, public community meetings
and firefighters' sleeping quarters are in rooms adjacent to the storage
area for the fire trucks and rescue vehicles. This new system will
ensure that possible carcinogens are not transferred into the adjacent
rooms.

**- more -**

Number range CHAPTERThe 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.
More than 19,950 fire departments applied for funding this year,
totaling \$2.5 billion in requests.

Number range CHAPTERIn February 2003, Senator Mikulski sent a letter to
each Maryland Fire Department 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.

Senator Mikulski is on the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the
Department of Homeland Security and its 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.

Last month Senator Mikulski introduced an amendment to the Homeland
Security spending bill that would have increased federal funding for
Fire Grant Program by \$150 million, funding it at its authorized level
of \$900 million. Senator Mikulski's amendment failed by a vote of
48-49.

\# \# \#