$123,810 grant awarded to the Vigilant Hose Company

Danielle Ryan

(7/19) On July 6th, Congressman Chris Van Hollen awarded a $123,810 grant to the Vigilant Hose Company. The grant, which was submitted in March of 2016, was awarded as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), under the Department of Homeland Security. This grant will be used for the replacement of personal protective equipment, which includes new coats, helmets, and boots. Sixty sets of protective equipment will be replaced as a result of this grant money.

Federal funds are awarded through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, which aims to strengthen first responders’ ability to safely protect their communities. Operations and Safety grants are used for professional training, personal protective equipment, modifications to facilities, and supplies that support firefighting and non-affiliated EMS operations and safety.

The Vigilant Hose Company has been successful with grants in the past. In fact, the equipment that will be replaced this year was purchased twelve years ago as a result of receiving grant money from the same grant program. In the past, other grants were used to purchase weight equipment for the on-site weight room/gym, and the repair of the ventilation system in the current building.

Vigilant Hose Company President, Frank Davis, spoke about how much it means to have received this grant. Even if the grant had not been awarded to VHC, Frederick County would have been able to assist the Fire Company in funding the new equipment. However, as Davis mentioned, "Receiving the grant contributes to the pride that Vigilant Hose Company has. We will be able to keep the Emmitsburg name on all of the purchased equipment, which certainly contributes to the pride felt for the community by all volunteers."

"First responders are on the front lines of emergencies every day, and they work tirelessly to make sure our communities are as safe as they can be," said Congressman Van Hollen. "This funding will help ensure that the Vigilant Hose Company is as prepared as possible to save lives and property when disaster strikes."

The Vigilant Hose Company has been a vital part of Emmitsburg since 1757, when the community was first started. The Company made a humble journey from the beginning, where local community members ran buckets of water to the fire to help put it out to 1840, when the first fire equipment was purchased, to present time where the Vigilant Hose community currently consists of 100 active members. This grant will help Vigilant Hose Company to continue its great acts of service to the community.