Below is a news release from Maryland Congressman Steny H. Hoyer:

(USED BY PERMISSION FROM CONGRESSMAN STENY HOYERS OFFICE)

"July 16, 2014 - WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5)announced that the Ridge Volunteer Fire Department has been awarded $135,850 in federal grant funds through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program to improve operations and safety.

“I’m pleased to announce that Ridge Volunteer Fire Department has been awarded a substantial grant to support operations and improve safety,” stated Congressman Hoyer. “As co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services, I’m proud to work closely with fire fighters from the Fifth District and around the country to understand the resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. This grant will do just that and help to ensure that fire services in Ridge can keep St. Mary’s County businesses and residents safe.”

AFG funding, which Congressman Hoyer helped establish in 2001, is awarded to fire departments and EMS organizations to enhance their response capabilities and more effectively protect the health and safety of the public and emergency response personnel. Over $15 million has been awarded to Fifth District fire departments since the program was established."

This grant will be used to upgrade our self contained breathing apparatus to be compliant with the latest National Fire Protection Association's standards.