Kentland Volunteers Receive Grant from BG&E

The Baltimore, Gas and Electric Company (BGE) recognized the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. this morning and the work that they do as BGE announced grants totaling more than $300,000 to emergency response non-profits. The grants awarded will fund a wide range of emergency response and safety equipment and training programs to help benefit the communities in which we live and work. The Kentland Volunteers received a Grant amount of $9,350 from BGE at a ceremony held this morning in Pikesville, Maryland.

According to Donald Aker, Kentland Volunteer President, “Natural gas emergencies are some of the most potentially dangerous calls that the Kentland VFD responds to. The objective of this program is to equip the department with gas detection devices for each piece of apparatus, so that members can quickly and accurately identify the presence of hazardous atmospheres and determine the source of natural gas leaks. The goal is to keep at least 1 set of meters in service at all times, with a reserve meter available for use in case one of the frontline units malfunctions.”

Kentland will request quotes from a variety of vendors, and the meters will be purchased from the most cost efficient option. All of their members are already trained in the operation of gas meters so transition from the box to apparatus will be immediate.

“Operationally, we will equip each piece of suppression apparatus with a Sensit HXG-3 meter and an appropriate carbon monoxide or 4 gas meter, said Tony Kelleher, Kentland Volunteer Chief. “All suppression units including the engines at the Landover Road and Campus Way Stations, ladder tower and the rescue engine would all be equipped with 1 set of meters. One set would be kept at the station as a reserve.”

Prince George’s County Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor congratulates the Kentland Volunteers for seeking and securing the BGE Grant. He stated, “I commend the Kentland leadership for securing a Grant to purchase meters that will benefit citizens, visitors and business in the greater Landover and Largo communities but also serve a mutual benefit throughout the entire County.”

Don Akers said the meters they plan to purchase will carry a 2-year limited warranty from the manufacturer. Both Akers and Kelleher expect these units to remain in service for a period of up to 10 years.

For additional information on the Kentland Volunteer Fire Department Inc. visit their website or call Volunteer President Aker or Volunteer Chief Kelleher at the fire station; 301-883-7733.


Mark E. Brady
Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department
Chief Spokesperson/PIO
240-508-7930
Twitter: @PGFDPIO

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