FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 4, 2026

Contact: publicrelations@mrvfr.org

Middle River Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company Secures $9 Million in Federal Funding for New Station and Ladder Truck

MIDDLE RIVER, MD — The Middle River Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company (MRVFR) announced today that it has been awarded $9 million in federal funding through the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation appropriations bill. The funding, delivered by Congressman Andy Harris, M.D., will support construction of a new fire station and assist with the purchase of a modern ladder truck to serve the growing communities of Middle River and eastern Baltimore County.

The investment addresses critical infrastructure needs for a volunteer company that has served as a cornerstone of emergency response in the region for decades, handling residential and commercial fires, advanced life support and medical emergencies, specialized water rescues, natural disaster response, and high-traffic vehicle accidents.

“This earmark is a huge win for the Middle River Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, and the communities and citizens we serve,” said Fire Chief Christopher Reynolds. “This will allow us to move our company forward in a positive way, and allow us to continue to serve the growing communities of Middle River and Baltimore County.”

Congressman Andy Harris emphasized the importance of supporting first responders: “Our volunteer firefighters are on the front lines every day protecting families, homes, and businesses in Baltimore County. This investment will give the Middle River Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company the modern facilities and equipment it needs to respond quickly and safely when every second counts…”

The funding will help replace an aging ladder truck with modern equipment currently being developed in collaboration with vendors and a technical committee. Construction of the new station, which has completed architectural design, will begin once permits are obtained from Baltimore County.

Delegate Kathy Szeliga praised the project’s impact: “This grant for a new station will go a long way toward making Middle River safer by bringing modern infrastructure and innovation that will allow our brave first responders to protect us in times of need.”

Delegate Ryan Nawrocki, a Middle River resident, added: “These brave first responders who protect Middle River families and businesses will now have the facilities and resources necessary to respond quickly, safely, and effectively.”

Baltimore County Councilman David Marks has been instrumental in helping MRVFRC navigate county-level processes to secure properties and permits. “Congressman Harris has obtained funding to replace this fire station. We appreciate his efforts, and I will continue to address any permitting questions as this project advances,” Councilman Marks stated.

Through these partnerships with elected officials at the federal, state, and local levels, the citizens of Baltimore County and Middle River will continue to receive the high level of emergency services they have come to expect from MRVFRC. While this funding represents a significant milestone, the company operates primarily on donations generously provided by the communities it serves.

For more information about Middle River Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company, visit mrvfr.org or contact publicrelations@mrvfr.org.

A $15.6 Million Capital Campaign

Public and private philanthropic support is necessary to construct a new fire, rescue, and emergency medical services station for our community.  A capital campaign to raise a minimum of $15.6 million is expected to be launched in early 2022 and conclude in late 2022. Private investments in the campaign may be characterized as a charitable contribution pursuant to Section 162 of the Internal Revenue Code.  Investors may make their payments immediately or choose to spread over a five-year period or less.  In-kind gifts of materials, labor, and services may be accepted, and a variety of naming opportunities will be available.