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Washington, DC -- U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, Congressman John Sarbanes and former Senator Paul Sarbanes will join Fort Meade leadership for a Fire Truck Housing ceremony as the Ft. Meade Department of Emergency Services receives two new fire engines. The FY 2007 Defense Appropriations bill included $1 million for the new fire trucks to replace equipment that was in poor condition and frequently taken out of service for repairs.
When: Thursday January 17, 2008
Who: Senator Benjamin Cardin, Congressman John Sarbanes and former
Senator Paul Sarbanes
When: Ft. Meade Department of Emergency Services
Ft. Meade, Md. 20755
Time: Event starts at 8:30 a.m.
"I am so proud to have fought with former Senator Paul Sarbanes for this critical funding in last year's Defense spending bill. Fort Meade's first responders protect not only the installation, but also stand ready to support the nearby community in Odenton," said Senator Mikulski. "I believe the federal government has a responsibility to provide first responders with the equipment they need, and I will continue to stand up for them as they continue to protect us."
U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, who assisted in securing the funding for the new fire trucks said “I am pleased to have helped secure the funding to provide the Ft. Meade Fire Department with the needed resources to modernize its fleet of fire trucks,” said Senator Cardin. “The breakdown of the old ladder truck during the six-alarm-fire that devastated Nathan Hale Hall in October 2006 dramatically highlighted the need for new equipment. These new fire trucks will enable Ft. Meade’s firefighters to respond more quickly to incidents both on and off Post.”
“Firefighters and EMTs put their lives on the line every day to help those in need. Without reliable equipment, first responders can’t be expected to protect people. It is an honor to represent Fort Meade in Congress. It is also an honor to help get the Fort Meade Fire Department the fire trucks they need and deserve,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger who is a Member of the Appropriations Committee and Chairman of the Technical and Tactical Intelligence Subcommittee that oversees the National Security Agency.
“Firefighters put their lives on the line to protect those they serve,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “The Fort Meade fire department has a unique mission of protecting important national security assets. At the very least they deserve to have reliable equipment that will help them perform their jobs”
The Meade Department of Fire and Emergency Services are responsible for the safety of approximately 50,000 people on base. This is a number that will steadily grow as a result of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC). The Department also responds to emergencies off post by supporting fire departments in the surrounding counties.
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