Salisbury Fire Department Receives $32K in Grants

The Salisbury Fire Department will use four grants totaling $32,330 to purchase lifesaving equipment and expand community health programs. The City Council and Mayor Randy Taylor formally accepted the grants this week.

The Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services System awarded $5,000 through its Cardiac Devices Grant to purchase five new automated external defibrillators. The devices will replace older units and integrate with the department's existing software for reviewing cardiac arrest cases and coordinating with hospitals.

The Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation awarded $18,358 for impermeable gear bags that reduce firefighters' exposure to carcinogens when transporting equipment. Cancer caused more than 72 percent of firefighter deaths nationwide last year. The department operates a cancer-reduction program that includes gear washing, specialized soaps and annual screenings.

Maryland awarded $6,972 for advanced medical training supplies. Salisbury's licensed clinicians use cardiac monitoring devices daily, and the equipment will strengthen training through the department's in-house EMS Training Academy.

The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore awarded $2,000 to the department's SWIFT program, which covers transportation costs for medical appointments and lab work not covered by insurance.

"These grants reflect the dedication of our fire department and the strong partnerships we have throughout Maryland," Mayor Randy Taylor said. "These funds will directly support our firefighters and enhance emergency medical care."