WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) announced Thursday that a $699,000 grant has been awarded to the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program. The award funds will be used to support the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters at departments throughout Prince George’s County.
“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,” said Congressman Hoyer. “The men and women who make up the volunteer fire departments put their lives on the line each day to serve their communities. Ensuring our firefighters have the support and funding they need to do their jobs remains a top priority for me. This grant will provide recruitment support and marketing programs for volunteer fire departments throughout Prince George’s County.”
“This Grant will be used to recruit new firefighter/EMT’s, retain the experienced volunteers we have now and to improve the application process of new recruits,” said Prince George’s County Fire Chief Benjamin M. Barksdale. “We appreciate the efforts of our elected officials in securing this Grant that will enhance our combined fire/EMS resource service delivery to our residents.”
“With the support of this SAFER grant, we will now have the tools and funding to put into motion our plans for specific strategic marketing, much-needed technology upgrades, and successful recruitment and retention events and training,” said Jay Tucker, Chairman, Prince George’s County Fire Commission. “We look forward to this resulting in the largest positive impact that the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire Service has seen in decades.”
“The Hyattsville VFD is excited to host this incredible grant opportunity which will provide for much-needed technology, infrastructure and marketing support to the volunteer fire and rescue service across Prince George’s County,” said Thomas Falcone, President, Hyattsville VFD.
As co-chair of the Congressional Fire Caucus, Congressman Hoyer took a lead role in helping to establish the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program and the SAFER Program, and each year he leads a letter with Members of Congress to the Appropriations Committee to ensure adequate funding is appropriated for the program. Over $15 million has been awarded to Fifth District fire departments since the program was established.