WASHINGTON - The St. Leonard Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad in Calvert County has been awarded a total of $271,083 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP).
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 approximately $46.4 million through the AFGP.
The St. Leonard Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad has been awarded $271,083 to purchase 50 new sets of turn out gear, 25 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units, and a Cascade Air Supply system for replenishing their air tanks.
This is the first award for the department and the second award for a Calvert County fire department this funding cycle. The Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Service received a grant award of $189,845 in January.