Hoyer Announces Assistance to Firefighter Grants to Riverdale Fire Department and Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) today announced that two Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) will be awarded to the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute and the Riverdale Fire Department. The AFG program is a part of the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute in College Park, Maryland will receive $500,000 and the Riverdale Fire Department, a volunteer fire department in Riverdale, Maryland, will be awarded $18,715.

"I am very pleased to learn that both the Riverdale Fire Department and the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute have been allocated this money," said Congressman Steny Hoyer. "This funding will help keep our brave men and women safe while protecting Fifth District families and our local communities. It is important that our firefighters and first responders personnel who protect our residents are trained and have the necessary resources to keep our communities safe and healthy during dangerous times."

"We are delighted that FEMA will be providing the Riverdale Volunteer Fire Department with much needed funding. These funds will help keep the volunteers safe while providing the essential services needed for a growing local community," said Chief Brian V. Carpio of the Riverdale Fire Department.

"The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute is very grateful to receive this award and our instructors and students will greatly benefit from the new training equipment and technology that this grant will provide," said Steven T. Edwards, Director of the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute.

AFG grant are awarded directly to fire departments, non-affiliated Emergency Medical Services organizations (EMS), and state fire training academies to assist with emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training.