July 24th, 2015 by WCBC Radio

On July 24, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Award for the Ellerslie Volunteer Fire Company. The $94,477 grant provides the Ellerslie Volunteer Fire Company with funding for a new self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA). According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), half of all fire departments do not have the resources to equip all firefighters on a shift with SCBA. “Our firefighters are heroes who put themselves on the front the lines to protect our neighbors and families, but they can’t do their job without resources,” said Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6). “This federal grant will help the Ellerslie Volunteer Fire Company continue to serve their local community and save lives, as they have done for 69 years. Everyone deserves to be safe from fire, whether they live in an urban area or in rural Allegany County.”  A SCBA is a device worn by firefighters and rescue workers to provide breathable air in dangerous environments. The Ellerslie Volunteer Fire Company was founded in 1946 by local citizens concerned about fire protection. Serving the Ellerslie community in northern Allegany County, the Ellerslie Volunteer Fire Department responded to 149 fire department calls in 2014.