Hoyer Announces Over $2 Million SAFER Grant Awarded to Maryland State Fireman's Association
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) announced that a $2,254,670 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant was awarded to the Maryland State Fireman's Association, in partnership with the Maryland Fire Chiefs Association. The grant will be used for the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters in Maryland.
Congressman Hoyer, co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, attended the 122nd Annual Convention and Conference of the Maryland State Firemen's Association earlier this week and discussed the importance of the SAFER and Assistance to Firefighters grant programs. Earlier this year, he led a Congressional letter with over 170 signatories calling for $680 million in federal funding for fire fighters nationwide.
"After meeting with the Maryland State Fireman's Association this week and discussing the needs of the fire serves community in our state, I'm very pleased to announce this grant funding," stated Congressman Hoyer. "Fire fighters across the state continue to put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of all Marylanders, and this grant will help ensure Maryland fire departments can adequately staff their stations and retain top-notch volunteers to protect our communities. As co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I know how critical this grant funding is to our fire services and I will continue to fight on their behalf so that they can maintain the safety of our community and volunteers on the job."
"The Maryland State Firemen's Association is very pleased to receive these funds in an effort to work in partnership with the Maryland Fire Chiefs Association to bring new members to the Maryland Fire and Rescue Services. These funds will be utilized to increase the number of available volunteer fire service personnel to better serve our communities and the citizens from across the state," said MSFA Immediate Past President Jackie Olson.
The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program provides necessary funding to help ensure 24-hour staffing at our nation's fire stations so that communities are protected from fire and fire-related hazards. Click here for more informationon SAFER grants.