Hoyer Praises Bowie Volunteer Fire Department
"I am honored to join you tonight and am pleased to have the opportunity to share my appreciation for your service to our community for more than 75 years," Congressman Hoyer told the Bowie Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad.
"Last week I introduced legislation which will improve upon the enormously successful Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. This program was created by Congress as a source of federal funds designed to bring our nation's career and volunteer firefighters to a baseline of readiness to respond to all hazards.
"During the past three years we have provided the most basic firefighting and emergency response needs - ranging from turnout gear and breathing apparatus to improved firefighter training and physical fitness programs. Since 2001, nearly $16 million has been provided to fire departments in the state of Maryland.
"My support for, and admiration of, firefighters predates my service in the Maryland State Senate in the 1960s, and can be attributed to the honor, integrity and heroism with which I saw Prince George's County firefighters serving their community while I was growing up.
"I continue to be awed by your commitment, sacrifice, and selfless dedication and am proud to be a part of tonight's celebration. On behalf of the residents of Bowie and Prince George's County, I thank you for your service," Rep. Hoyer concluded.
As a co-chair of the Congressional Fire Caucus Rep. Hoyer has been very active in helping establish and fund the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, which helps local fire departments buy equipment and provide adequate training. He discussed the reauthorization of the Fire Grant program, which has been a tremendous resource for departments in Maryland and across the country.
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