Harford County EMS And Fire Departments Receive Grants For New Equipment

HAVRE DE GRACE - Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) is helping Havre de Grace area emergency services get the tools they need.

The utility is awarding $145,400 in BGE Emergency Response and Safety Grants to 37 nonprofit organizations across the state, including several in Harford County. The program, now in its eleventh year, funds equipment upgrades, training, and programs that enhance community health and safety across Maryland.

The Susquehanna Hose Company in Havre de Grace is set to receive a replacement for its firefighting chainsaw. Firefighting chainsaws are used to cut ventilation holes in structures, construct shoring systems, and clear fire lines.

Clearing fire lines may be an especially important duty given that dry conditions have increased the risk of wildfires in Maryland this year. On Tuesday, a brushfire in Owings Mills caused the evacuation of 29 homes and burned over 700 acres.

Alexander Núñez, senior vice president of governmental, regulatory, and external affairs for BGE, said that the company is honored to support local EMS personnel.

“BGE is honored to support these outstanding organizations that share our commitment to safety and improving the quality of life for people in the communities where we live and work,” Núñez said. “First responders are our customers and our neighbors; they risk their lives every day, and BGE is grateful for their service.”

Other Harford County grant recipients include:

• Abingdon Fire Company: cold-weather gear

• Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company: firefighter safety, helmets

• Mason-Dixon Search Dogs, Inc.: training, operations, and a boat motor

• Whiteford Volunteer Fire Company: turn-out gear.