Mechanicsville VFD Receives $124,180 Federal Grant


MECHANICSVILLE, Md. (Feb. 13, 2008) - The Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) has been awarded $124,180 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP).

The VFD in St. Mary's County will use its $124,180 to replace hoses that were purchased in the 1980s and are no longer National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) compliant. The department will also purchase a mobile burn building for training new recruits and recertifying current members.

This is the fourth AFGP award for the department.

In 2002, it was awarded $91,742 to purchase Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) equipment and an air compressor, and to provide physicals for their members.

In 2004, it was awarded $76,167 to install a diesel exhaust system and to purchase physical fitness equipment for its members.

In 2005, it was awarded $110,950 to purchase turn out gear, a gear washer and dryer, and individualized face masks.

Since 2001, St. Mary's County fire departments and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) units have received more than $1.3 million in AFGP funding.

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 fire service organizations have received more than $57 million through the AFGP.

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