“Ensuring that our first responders are outfitted with modern, state of the art communications equipment is critical to their abilities to respond to disaster, aid victims, and protect themselves from injury. This grant will allow for the replacement of communications equipment that has exceeded its normal lifespan,” said Congressman Hoyer. “I am pleased that funds from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program will provide firefighters in St. Mary’s County access to technology that will enhance firefighting operations and responder safety.”
Grant funds made available through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program are awarded to fire departments and EMS organizations across the nation to enhance their response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public and emergency response personnel. Since 2001, AFG has provided more than $50 million in assistance to local first-responder organizations in Maryland for the purchase of personnel protective gear and response equipment and vehicles.
Thomas Mattingly, St. Mary’s County Commissioner, stated, “I am very pleased with the award of these grant funds. This funding will provide the departments with the resources to update and expand their communications capabilities within our system. Interoperable and reliable public safety communications has for too long been one of our greatest challenges.”
As co-chair of the Congressional Fire Caucus, Rep. Hoyer took a lead role in helping establish the AFG Program and has been an annual leader in fighting against attempts to cut funding for the program in the federal budget. During the 110th Congress, he helped secure $1.25 billion for the program ($560m/FY08 and $565m/FY09).
Congressman Hoyer also helped establish the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Firefighters Program to help fire departments hire new firefighters, recruit and retain volunteer firefighters, and provide relief to stations currently operating short of staff. During the 110th Congress, Rep. Hoyer helped secure $410 million for the program ($190 m/FY08 and $220m/FY09).
“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. I will continue to fully support these programs in order to meet the needs of our nation’s fire fighters,” concluded Hoyer.