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.