PRESS RELEASE

Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department Awarded FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant

Ocean Pines, MD – October 3, 2025 – The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department (OPVFD) is proud to announce it has been awarded a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) in the amount of $291,428.57. This federal grant will be used to replace the department’s aging inventory of 34 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units, which are vital for firefighter safety during emergency operations.

The FEMA AFG program provides funding directly to fire departments and EMS organizations to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public and first responders. The new SCBA units will bring OPVFD into compliance with the most current National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and ensure firefighters are equipped with the latest life-saving technology.

“This award represents a major step forward in ensuring the safety of our members and the community we serve,” said OPVFD President/Captain Joe Enste. “SCBAs are among the most critical pieces of equipment for firefighters. These new units will allow our crews to operate more effectively in dangerous environments and return home safely after every call.”

The grant award was made possible thanks to the collaborative efforts of the OPVFD Board of Directors, fire department leadership, and the grant-writing team incouding Jason Faryniak of FireMed Grant Solutions, LLC.  who worked diligently to secure the funding after an earlier application was not selected for the 2023 Grant.

“We are extremely grateful to FEMA for recognizing our department’s need and to everyone who played a role in this successful application,” added Enste. “This investment ensures the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department can continue to provide the highest level of service to our residents and visitors.”

The OPVFD responds to thousands of emergency calls each year across Worcester County, providing fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services. The new SCBA units are expected to be placed into service in late 2025 or early 2026 following procurement and training.

Media Contact:
Joe Enste, Public Information Officer
Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department
911 Ocean Parkway
Ocean Pines, MD 21811
[email protected] | 443-614-2717