Ruppersberger to Talk With First Responders about Consequences of Proposed Funding Cuts

Edgemere, MD - The North Point Edgemere Volunteer Fire Company #26 needs to replace an outdated fire engine and upgrade its breathing equipment but that may NOT happen because of proposed cuts to federal first responder grants. The Department of Homeland Security proposes cutting $1.5 billion from over a dozen popular grant programs. Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) will meet with volunteer firefighters and EMTs on Monday, February 23rd, 2004, and talk to them about his effort to stop this move in Congress.

"We live in an era of uncertain threat levels and local resources are already stretched incredibly thin. We have identified areas where we need to increase our homeland security efforts. This is not the time to be cutting funding for our firefighters, EMTs, and police officers who work hard to try and keep our communities and families safe," said Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD).

WHO:	Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger Members of the North Point Edgemere Volunteer Fire Company #26
WHAT:	Congressman Ruppersberger to Talk With First Responders about Consequences of Funding Cuts
WHEN:	10am, Monday, February 23rd, 2004
WHERE:	North Point Edgemere Volunteer Fire Company #26 7500 North Point Road Baltimore, MD 21219