DVFC Awarded U.S.Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant

The Denton Volunteer Fire Company is pleased to announce that we have been awarded a U. S. Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) for the 2018 fiscal year.  $228,928.57 in Federal funding, with an additional 5% of company funds, will be utilized to replace our current self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which is vital when we encounter smoke conditions or other environments which are immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH).

Our current SCBA has reached the end of its useful life and the air cylinders can no longer be tested regularly due to their age.  Failures, while normally minor in nature, have become commonplace.  This grant will enable us to purchase 33 new sets of breathing apparatus and spare cylinders as well as individual masks for our riding members.  The new SCBA will also meet the latest safety standards as set forth by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) affording our members a reliable source of air in harsh conditions.

While the company was anticipating to solely bear the financial burden of this acquisition, it would have most likely delayed the replacement of our 1990 tanker, which is vital in bringing water into the rural areas when needed.  While we do receive funding from the State and local jurisdictions, as well as our community, it is not sufficient to sustain both these projects simultaneously.

 The Denton Volunteer Fire Company, located in the county seat of Caroline County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, is a 100% volunteer organization, currently with 58 riding members and additional administrative personnel.  We operate two engines, a 95’ tower ladder, a heavy rescue squad, a 3500-gallon tanker, a brush unit, ambulance and three support vehicles.

The Denton VFC would like to express our sincere gratitude to Senator Chris Van Hollen and his staff for his support of this award.