WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin announced today that the Lansdowne Volunteer Fire Department will receive a grant of $9,900 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to purchase a thermal-imaging camera to assist in locating trapped firefighters and civilians.

The grant is part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program that awards one-year grants directly to local fire departments to enhance their ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards. This year, the DHS will distribute $750 million in firefighter grants, and increase of $390 million from last year.

"The Lansdowne Volunteer Fire Department has a strong track record and the outstanding support of the community. These firefighters are dedicated to helping in times of crisis, and this grant will enable them to upgrade their capabilities so they can better serve the residents of Lansdowne in the future," said Rep. Cardin, a member of the Homeland Security Committee.