CPVFD Awarded 2020 AFG COVID-19 Supplemental Grant
On July 10, 2020, the College Park Volunteer Fire Department (CPVFD) was awarded a Department of Homeland Security-FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant through the COVID-19 Supplemental Program (AFG-S). The success of this grant was a combination effort led by Ron Benedict, former CPVFD member and owner of Fire Grants Expert, LLC.
The purpose of the AFG-S is to award grants directly to fire departments to immediately enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel through the purchase of PPE and essential supplies related to the COVID-19 response. The AFG-S objectives are to provide resources that equip personnel to respond to the pandemic and support community resilience.
CPVFD’s federal grant of $36,601.36 will allow for the purchase of a decontamination machine and personal protective equipment (PPE) to include but not limited to masks/respiratory protection, eye protection and disposable gloves/gowns. The decontamination machine will help when cleaning and disinfecting the emergency vehicles as well as the fire station. This disinfection process will provide great benefit to the health and safety of the department members, both at CPVFD and neighboring stations, and the community which we serve.
“Every day, College Park’s first responders put themselves on the front lines of public health and safety – and recently, they’ve done even more for our communities amid the COVID-19 crisis. This funding will help ensure that our firefighters have the protective equipment, tools, and resources they need to stay safe,” said Senator Van Hollen. “I will continue to fight in Congress for increased federal support for fire departments throughout Maryland.”
College Park Volunteer Fire Department is grateful to the City of College Park under Mayor Patrick L. Wojahn, and for the support of US Senator Chris Van Hollen and Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD 5th District), who have been avid supporters of the AFG grant program and the CPVFD.