Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) today announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s decision to award the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department $600,000 in federal funding through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP) to purchase a new fire engine. The AFGP is an important component of the federal government’s effort to strengthen the Nation’s overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards.
"I wholeheartedly support the critical mission of our firefighters,” said Van Hollen. “These funds will help ensure that our community’s emergency responders have the equipment and training they need to respond to various hazards. It is important that firefighters continue to have the equipment they require to do their jobs, improve safety, and save lives.”
The purpose of the FY 2007 AFG is to award grants directly to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service (EMS) organizations. These awards aim to enhance first responders’ ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel, with respect to fire-related hazards. Using a competitive process overseen by fire service subject matter experts, AFG grants are awarded to applicants whose requests best address the priorities of the AFG program.
For more information, call Chris St. John at 301-929-8000.