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.
Our firefighters put their lives on the line for their communities each day.
I congratulate the Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department and EMS on this grant award.
I'm pleased to announce this grant that will benefit the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department and other volunteer fire departments in Prince George's County.
I join in recognizing National Night Out, an opportunity for Fifth District residents to join together with law enforcement personnel to work towards safer, more secure communities.
I am very proud to represent the brave men and women of the Prince George's County Fire and Medical Services Department, and I am exceptionally pleased to announce this funding for the department.
I thank Sheriff Troy Berry and members of the Charles County Sheriff's Office for meeting with me today to discuss some of the issues facing Charles County and the Fifth District.
In addition to making sure that federal, state, and local officials have all the tools they need to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of domestic violence, we must also ensure that victims of abuse and their families have the resources and support they need to heal and seek justice.
As co-chair of the Fire Services Caucus, it is my top priority to ensure that our first responders have the resources to do their jobs safely and effectively.
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.
The findings of the Justice Department's report investigating the Baltimore City Police Department are deeply troubling and serve as a reminder of the work we must do to restore trust between the people of Baltimore and local law enforcement.