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.
As we mark National Night Out, I'm pleased to see Fifth District residents, law enforcement personnel, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations, and local officials come together to make their communities safe and secure.
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.
I want to thank the members of The Links who met with me today to discuss their concerns after recent gun violence in Orlando, Baton Rouge, Minneapolis, and Dallas, and the pressing need for action to stop these tragic events from happening.
The opioid and heroin epidemic has impacted families and communities across the nation, including right here in the Washington-Baltimore region.
I was heartbroken to learn of the horrifying shooting of police officers in Dallas. Nothing can justify such unspeakable violence against those who dedicate their lives to serving and protecting the public.
I'm proud to represent the brave men and women of the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department and to announce this funding to support their efforts.
We gather each May to remember the fallen heroes of law enforcement from across our country, filled with pride in them and our hearts heavy with grief for their families.
I am pleased that both the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department and the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute will receive this critical federal funding.
I want to thank reform advocates and law enforcement officials in Maryland for joining me at a critically important roundtable to discuss a matter that Congress must address: comprehensive criminal justice reform.
I want to thank the U.S. Capitol Police for their quick response to today's threat at the U.S. Capitol.