Hoyer Announces Assistance to Firefighters Grant Funding for the National Volunteer Fire Council

WASHINGTON, DC– Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) announced today that a $1,069,174 federal grant has been awarded to the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The funding will be used for a national awareness campaign on health and safety topics, such as firefighter cancer, expanding safety training to volunteers,  and expanding the Fire/EMS Helpline.

"I'm pleased to announce that NVFC, located in Greenbelt, Maryland, received this substantial grant, which will strengthen their ability to support volunteer fire and emergency services," stated Congressman Hoyer. "As co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I'm proud to support the important work of NVFC, and I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to ensure that our nation's fire fighters and emergency responders have every tool they need to do their jobs safely and protect our communities."

"Keeping our firefighters and emergency personnel safe and healthy is critical in our efforts to eliminate preventable line-of-duty deaths and injuries," said NVFC Chairman Kevin D. Quinn. "We have to proactively address the threats our firefighters are facing, including cancer, heart attacks, suicides, vehicle crashes, and others. By raising awareness of these issues, providing resources to help, and educating first responders on how to lessen their risk and prevent tragedy, we can make a significant difference. We are grateful to FEMA for providing us this grant to continue our important work and for supporting a safer, stronger fire service."

Congressman Hoyer played a leading role in helping to establish the AFG Program. Each year, he leads a letter with Members of Congress to the Appropriations Committee to ensure adequate funding is appropriated for the program. Over $15 million has been awarded to Fifth District fire departments since the program was established. Click herefor more information.

NVFC is a nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. To earn more about NVFC, click here.