Sykesville Fire Department Receives Grant From Department of Homeland Security

United States Senators Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin announced today that the Sykesville Freedom District Fire Department was awarded $47,610 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant. 

The grant funds will allow the Sykesville Fire Department to purchase 26 Shore Based First Responder Water Rescue Kits to help respond to water emergencies, including those on the Liberty Reservoir.

The funds will also be used to purchase two Rope Rescue Team Kits, which includes equipment to help respond to rope rescues, rappelling and confined space rescue as well as updated power tools in order to respond more quickly and effectively in a fire emergency.

"The brave men and women of the Sykesville Freedom District Volunteer Fire Department lost their fire station nearly two years ago. I am proud that this grant program can help them get back on their feet so they can continue to protect and serve the community," said Sen. Mikulski in a post on her website.

"Everyday when our first responders report for duty, they don't know what they will face. That's why I fight every year for the equipment, training, and staffing our protectors and communities deserve."  

Since 2001, Maryland fire departments and Emergency Medical Services units have received nearly $105 million in Assistance to Firefighters Grant funding, nearly $2 million of which has gone to fire departments and EMS units in Carroll County. 

"Now more than ever, we need to make sure that our first responders have the resources they need to protect our families and communities," said Sen. Cardin in a press release.

"From fires to natural disasters to possible terrorist threats, these brave men and women put their lives on the line for all of us.  Federal investment in our first responders is vital because we must ensure that they have the equipment and training they need to protect us from harm and to perform their jobs safely and efficiently."