BGE Awards Four Fire/EMS Stations with Grants for Equipment

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930

mebrady@co.pg.md.us     Twitter: @PGFDPIO

Four Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire/EMS Stations were awarded grants from Baltimore, Gas and Electric (BGE) recently. In its second year, BGE launched its Emergency Response and Safety Grant Program, designed specifically for nonprofit emergency response and safety organizations that provide emergency services support – either preparedness or response and recovery – throughout BGE’s central Maryland service area.  During the announcement of Grants, more than $350,000 was distributed to approximately 40 organizations which represent Baltimore City and the counties in which BGE provides natural gas and/or electric service, including volunteer fire departments, search and rescue teams and other public safety groups.

BGE’s grant program recognizes long-standing company support of and partnership with emergency responders and other emergency services organizations.  BGE greatly values its relationships with its emergency response partners. 

The Grant Awards were announced during a ceremony on January 30, 2014, at the American Red Cross Chesapeake Regional Headquarters in Baltimore.  Prince George’s County Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor, was in attendance and spoke as Vice-Chair of the Metropolitan Fire Chief’s Council of the State of Maryland.  “As the economy becomes more and more competitive and the memories of 9/11 fade in some priorities, it is critical that we remember our response agencies are not left to fend for themselves,” stated Bashoor. “Fire and EMS agencies all over the State of Maryland depend on donations and grants for a large part of their operations funding.  The leadership demonstrated today through BGE’s Grant Awards is a critical component to sustain our emergency response agencies.”

The following Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Stations were awarded Grants.

·         Bowie Volunteer Fire Department – Thermal imaging camera

·         Kentland Volunteer Fire Department – Thermal imaging camera

·         Volunteer Fire Company of Laurel – Multi-gas meters

·         Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad – Technical Rescue Equipment