Fire Service and Law Enforcement

Congressman Hoyer has been a champion for firefighters, law enforcement and other first responders. He has fought to ensure that these brave men and women are provided with adequate resources to keep our communities safe and has worked to address the quality of life issues that are unique to those who protect us.

Working closely with firefighters from Maryland and around the country, Congressman Hoyer helped establish the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, which helps equip and train local fire and EMS departments throughout the country. Over $15 million has been awarded to Fifth District fire departments since the program's creation in 2001. He also helped establish the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program, which enables career and volunteer fire departments to hire new firefighters, recruit and retain volunteers, and provide relief to the thousands of local fire stations across the country short of staff.

He has also worked to ensure our local police departments have the equipment necessary to fight crime and protect our communities.  Working with his Washington Metropolitan Area colleagues, Congressman Hoyer has spearheaded the effort to combat the gang problem in Prince George's and Montgomery Counties by helping establish and fund the Joint County Task Force. Congressman Hoyer also supported the COPS Hiring Recovery Program, which has strong support from Fifth District Police Departments. 

Hoyer Honors Maryland Trooper Wesley Brown on Floor of U.S. House

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) went to the House Floor today to honor the memory of Maryland State Trooper Wesley Brown, the young officer who was tragically shot and killed earlier this month outside a Forestville restaurant where he was working off duty on security detail. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery and which were submitted into the Congressional Record. Video of the Floor statement isHERE.

Hoyer Honors Fire Service at Maryland State’s Firemen’s Association and Ladies Auxiliary Convention

Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) spoke this morning to more than 1,000 Maryland fire service men and women at the 118th Annual Convention of the Maryland State Firemens Association (MSFA) and Ladies Auxiliary in Ocean City. Hoyer also recognized incoming presidents of the MFSA and Ladies Auxiliary - Doyle Cox of Prince Frederick and Sandi Lutz of Glenn Dale who both live in counties he represents in Congress.

Politicians move ahead with county gang initiative

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) and Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (D-Md.) and staff from the office of Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) met last week with Prince Georges and Montgomery County officials leading the development of the Prince Georges-Montgomery County Gang Initiative.

Hoyer Announces $94,410 Federal Grant for Huntingtown Volunteer Fire Dept. and Rescue Squad

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD)announced today that theHuntingtown Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad has been awarded $94,410 in federal grant funds through the 2009 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The funding will be utilized for personal protective equipment and a Thermal Imaging Camera to enhance search capabilities through fire and smoke for trapped persons.

Stay Safe During the Holiday Season

For many, this time of year reminds us of what is truly important in our lives the health of our friends, the well-being of our neighbors and the love of all those we hold dear. It is a special time of year, and it is encouraging to hear stories of the tremendous goodwill exhibited by our community. Unfortunately, the holiday season also brings increased risk for families both in terms of fire and theft, but it is also one of the deadliest times of year on America's highways, as the number of drunk drivers rises at a particularly disturbing rate.

Hoyer Statement on the Fire Grants Reauthorization Act

Every day, we and our families live under the blanket of protection provided by Americas firefightersmen and women who are willing to risk their lives to safeguard us, our loved ones, and our property.

Recovery Act Working to Create Jobs, Invest in Maryland's 5th District


Rep. Hoyer held a press conference with Sen. Cardin, Rep. Van Hollen, Rep. Edwards and Prince George's County law enforcement to talk about how funding provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is working to create jobs and invest in critical priorities. 

To date, $400 million in Recovery dollars have gone to the county, including funds to save and create 55 officer positions. Read the news release