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.
I join in congratulating Chief Matthew Verderosa on his selection as the next Chief of the U.S. Capitol Police.
Today's release of the phase two RFP's for the new consolidated FBI headquarters and announcement that funding will be included in the President's Fiscal Year 2017 budget are important milestones that move forward the entire process.
I'm pleased to be bringing Mrs. Chestnut as my guest to the President's State of the Union address.
I was humbled to receive this award today from the Congressional Fire Services Institute. As much as I am honored to be receiving it, what I am most honored to do is stand up for the courageous men and women of the fire services each and every day in Congress.
I was pleased to host this morning's informative discussion with law enforcement officials from the Fifth District and to express gratitude for the outstanding job they're doing to ensure that law enforcement is working in close concert with local communities to build and maintain trust.
Today I had the opportunity to visit Larry's Hope, a new prison reentry program that will give individuals who have been incarcerated the mentoring, training, services, and support they need to find jobs and successfully reenter society.
We are heartened by the explicit commitment made today by the FBI, GSA and OMB to a full consolidation of the FBI headquarters.
Here in Emmitsburg, we inscribe the names of loved ones and heroes. It is a place where we can come to remember those who fell in service to our communities and our country.
Serving as co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus has been one of the privileges of a lifetime, one that has enabled me to meet face to face with many who lost loved ones and who have shared with me stories of their fathers, mothers, sons and daughters, brothers and sister.