Hoyer Announces Grant Funding for Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad

WASHINGTON, DC– Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) announced today that a $20,275 federal grant has been awarded to the Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.

"Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad plays a critical role in keeping our community safe, and I'm pleased to announce this grant funding to strengthen their operations and safety," stated Congressman Hoyer. "I thank the men and women who serve in Hughesville for putting their lives on the line each and every day, and I'm committed to ensuring they have the resources necessary to work safely and effectively. As their representative in Congress and as co-chair of the Congressional Fire Caucus, I will continue to advocate on their behalf so they can carry out their mission to protect our communities."

"The Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad Inc. is very thankful to receive the Assistance to Firefighters Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to replace our aging fire hose," said Matthew P. Herbert of the Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad. "We are currently using a hose that is up to 30 years old and we have had failures, which have caused injuries to our members and impacted our operations on fire incidents.  Because of this grant we will be able to replace all of this hose, which will mean a safer and more efficient operation for our volunteers."

Congressman Hoyer serves as co-chair of the Congressional Fire Caucus and took a lead 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 here for more information.