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.
It is with great sadness each year that we gather in May to remember our fallen heroes, but what we measure in grief is equaled by the pride we have in those who served and gave their lives.
I was honored to join our nation's fire fighters this evening to thank them for their courage and dedication to keeping our communities safe.
Today, I joined the Prince George's County business community to discuss developments in our county and efforts on the federal level to help support the growth of local businesses.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives has an extensive history of serving communities across the country and I was proud to help secure funding to construct their impressive National Laboratory Center here in Beltsville.
As the co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I have the privilege of working alongside our nation's firefighters and hearing firsthand about the challenges they face.
It is not every day that one has the privilege of being in the company of so many American heroes.
As we celebrate National Police Week and recognize the dedication and sacrifice of our law enforcement officers, Im pleased the House voted today in support of creating a national Blue Alert System that will allow police officers and first responders to react quickly when a law enforcement officer is injured or killed and make it easier to apprehend violent criminals.
I was honored to join Vice President Biden, members of the Congressional Fire Services Institute, and others this evening to recognize the passion, determination, courage, and selflessness of firefighters and emergency service personnel in Maryland and across the country.
Im pleased the International Association of Arson Investigators has received this critical funding.
Our law enforcement community has played a central role in bringing crime rates in Prince Georges County to a historic low last year and keeping our neighborhoods safe.