Sens. Cardin, Van Hollen Announce $94,132 in Funding to the Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Company

WASHINGTON, July 20 -- The office of Sen. Benjamin Cardin, D-Maryland, issued the following news release:

U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) have announced $94,132 in federal funding for the Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Company of Washington County through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). This funding will allow the Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Company to install a sprinkler system in the station, bringing it into compliance with National Fire Protection Association standards.

"Our first responders deserve safe, updated work facilities capable of protecting them while they go about the dangerous business of protecting us," said Senator Cardin. "These funds represent a federal investment in Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Company's safety and security, and I'll keep fighting to ensure all our first responders, in every corner of our state, have the resources they need as well."

"Ensuring that our local firefighting facilities are up-to-date is crucial to our firefighter's ability to do their work safely. This funding will help the Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Company station meet the top safety standards," said Senator Van Hollen. "I will continue working to provide our first responders with the tools, training, and equipment they need to protect themselves and to keep our communities safe."

These federal funds are awarded through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, which awards grants directly to fire departments, nonaffiliated Emergency Medical Services organizations, and state fire training academies to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel. Senators Cardin and Van Hollen worked to secure $345 million for the AFG program for Fiscal Year 2018 and continue to work towards robust funding in Fiscal Year 2019.