(Harford County, MD – August 16, 2018) The Sheriff’s Office will seek funding in this program to obtain equipment necessary to respond to an in-progress active event or a mass casualty scene. When such an event is occurring or has just occurred, it is the first responders of the Sheriff’s Office who must maintain order, handle the call for service, and begin to render aid to those in need. That personnel responding must be equipped to handle the situation regardless of the conditions on the scene and regardless of the complexity or duration of the event. The first responders must be provided with the necessary tools to respond to the emerging situation and not be placed in a situation in which they must hold off on rendering aid due to a lack of resources.

As a means of planning for a significant event, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office has conducted research into what would be necessary and essential equipment for an “active event bag.” These bags would be pre-prepared with the necessary materials and resources required for deputies to handle any call for service without having to be resupplied or burdening other agency resources. Once created and distributed, the bags will be secured in the trunk of an agency member’s take-home vehicle and always available for use. The Sheriff’s Office intends to use the $34,531 in award money for the above items. As part of the grant application process, the Sheriff’s Office is required to make this announcement public, allowing for a review and comments of the application. If any citizen or any neighborhood or community organization wishes to review the application or comment, please contact the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Planning and Research Division at 410-836-5438.