Salisbury Fire Department Secures Four Grants to Enhance Lifesaving Services

The Salisbury Fire Department has applied for and been awarded four grants that will significantly enhance firefighter safety, emergency medical services and community health support. Now that all grants have been formally accepted by the Salisbury City Council and Mayor Randy Taylor, the department can move forward with the purchase of this lifesaving equipment.

The department received $5,000 through the Cardiac Devices Grant from the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services System. The matching grant covers roughly half the cost of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and enabled the purchase of five new AEDs to replace older units nearing expiration. The updated devices are easier to use and integrate seamlessly with existing software used to review cardiac arrest events for training, case review and hospital coordination.

The Salisbury Fire Department was also awarded $18,358 from the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, Inc. to purchase impermeable gear bags. These specialized bags reduce firefighters’ exposure to carcinogens when transporting gear between stations and assignments. Cancer remains the leading cause of death among firefighters nationwide, accounting for more than 72 percent of firefighter deaths last year. The department’s robust cancer‑reduction program includes gear washing and exchange, specialized soaps, on‑scene fire wipes and annual cancer screenings. The new gear bags provide yet another layer of protection.

In addition, the department received $6,972 from the State of Maryland to support the purchase of advanced medical training supplies. The funds will be used to obtain specialized equipment that enhances training on cardiac monitoring devices, which are used daily by Salisbury’s licensed clinicians. The investment will further strengthen the care provided by Salisbury’s paramedics and EMTs through the department’s in‑house EMS Training Academy.

The Salisbury Fire Department’s SWIFT program was also awarded a $2,000 grant from the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore. The funding will help community members with transportation costs not covered by insurance, including follow‑up appointments, specialist visits, lab work and other medically necessary travel.

“These grants reflect both the dedication of our fire department and the strong partnerships we have throughout Maryland,” Mayor Randy Taylor said. “We are grateful for every organization that invested in Salisbury’s safety. These funds will directly support our firefighters, enhance emergency medical care and allow us to better serve our residents when they need us most.”