PRESS RELEASE
BALTIMORE, Maryland (May 1, 2024) — Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced an investment of $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support the Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD).
As part of this investment, the Department of General Services (DGS) will use $4.1 million in ARPA funding towards BCFD facility improvements, including bathroom renovations and boiler and generator replacements. In addition, DGS will use $1.2 million in ARPA funding for roof repairs at multiple sites. The Baltimore City Fire Department also plans to allocate $4.7 million in ARPA funding toward strategic acquisitions of life-saving equipment, reinforcing safety standards for our firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, and the broader Baltimore community.
“Our Fire Department performs life-saving work for the residents and visitors in Baltimore every single day. Our $10 million investment will support frontline staff, greatly improve working conditions, and help them carry out this work on behalf of our city,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Today’s announcement, along with the $15 million increase for the Fire Department included in our FY ‘25 budget proposal, showcases our commitment to supporting this critically important agency.”
“As part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities, we are pleased to announce funding for critical repairs to firehouses and the acquisition of life-saving equipment,” said Chief Recovery Officer Shamiah Kerney. “The dedication of our firefighters has been and continues to be exemplary during the COVID-19 pandemic. These first responders risk their lives daily to protect and serve others in challenging conditions. This grant funding demonstrates appreciation for their unwavering commitment and selflessness in safeguarding Baltimore City.”
The pandemic has highlighted the vital importance of first responders and the strain on essential firefighting and emergency services equipment as BCFD members provided emergency medical services, fire suppression, and rescue operations. This investment aims to lift emergency services personnel morale by providing improved facilities and protecting our BCFD members by furnishing them with innovative life-saving personal protective equipment, ensuring they can operate effectively, efficiently, and safely.
“This significant investment of $10 million in ARPA funding will greatly enhance the capabilities of the Baltimore City Fire Department, allowing us to acquire critical, state-of-the-art life-saving equipment and improve safety measures for our emergency services personnel and the community we serve. These strategic allocations will strengthen our operations, ensuring that we can continue to provide the highest level of service and protection to the residents and visitors of Baltimore,” Baltimore City Fire Department Fire Chief James W. Wallace.
About the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provided $641 million to the City of Baltimore in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency and its negative economic impacts. Mayor Brandon M. Scott has established the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs to transparently and effectively administer this funding on behalf of the City. For additional information, visit the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs website at arp.baltimorecity.gov.
