Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD), Co-chair of the Congressional Fire Caucus, today hailed House action to restore deep funding cuts proposed by the President to two successful programs that provide critical aid to firefighters and first responders – the Assistance for Firefighters Grant (FIRE) Program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Firefighters (SAFER) Program.  The funding, which was included in the consolidated appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2008, passed the House last evening and is being considered by the Senate this week.

“It is critical that our firefighters and first responders are provided all available resources to ensure their safety and enhance their ability to protect our communities from harm,” stated Rep. Hoyer.  “It simply makes no sense to cut essential funding for these essential public servants. I am proud to have helped ensure that our men and women tasked with keeping our citizens safe have the means to do so.”

 The FIRE and SAFER grant programs are among the most successful and well-regarded programs available to assist fire departments and EMS organizations for equipment purchases, personnel training, and other needs.  After the Bush Administration proposed a 55 percent cut to the FIRE program for FY 2008, and completely eliminated all support for SAFER, Rep. Hoyer led efforts in the House seeking increased funding for both programs. Ultimately, Congress restored FIRE funding to $560 million and funded SAFER at $195 million.

 In Rep. Hoyer’s 5th Congressional District of Maryland, previous funding has gone toward the purchase of breathing gear to protect firefighters from smoke inhalation, communication radio equipment, and the installation of new firehouse alarm systems, to name a few.  Among recent grants awarded was a $94,548 FIRE grant for the Volunteer Fire Department in Beltsville, where just this week a major fire engulfed a condominium building, requiring 100 fire personnel to extinguish.

 “Our firefighters and first responders provide an unbelievable service and sacrifice a great deal to protect our communities; it is our duty to provide them with the equipment and training they need to keep their departments running safely and efficiently,” said Rep. Hoyer, who has been an annual leader in fighting against attempts to cut funding for the programs in the federal budget. “I will continue to fully support these programs in order to meet the needs of our firefighters and first responders.”