Ruppersberger, Sarbanes, Mikulski, Cardin, & Smith Unveil New Equipment to Keep Baltimore County Firefighters Safe and Healthy
 Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith, Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger, Congressman Ben Cardin, and Senator Paul Sarbanes with fire fighters at the unveiling of new equipment at Halethorpe Fire Station #5. |
A $750,000 federal grant helped pay for a new diesel exhaust removal system for all twenty five Baltimore County Career Fire Stations. Station #5 in Halethorpe is the first career station to get the technology. In the past, firefighters at most stations used fans or opened windows to ventilate the fumes.
"First responders are our first line of defense in an emergency. I believe we must provide our firefighters, police, and EMTs with the resources, equipment, and training they need to keep our families and our communities safe. The diesel exhaust removal system will improve the air quality at the fire stations and help keep our firefighters safe and healthy," said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD).
"I'm proud to help announce this important federal investment in Baltimore County's first responders. Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to save families, save homes, and save communities. They deserve the best equipment and gear to protect themselves while they work hard to protect us," said Senator Mikulski.
"It is critical that our first responders have the resources and equipment necessary to accomplish their mission as safely as possible. This grant ensures that the health of our firefighters is protected," said Congressman Benjamin Cardin (D-MD).
"We're so grateful for this federal aid because it means we can use the county dollars we had planned to spend for other services our citizens need. We have an obligation to give our employees the safest possible working environment and this grant will help us do that," said County Executive Smith.
-end-