09/05/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/05/2024 13:38
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD-05) and U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (D-MD) announced $707,877.04 in federal funding for seven fire departments in Charles and St. Mary's Counties. The funding will enhance emergency response capabilities through equipment upgrades, ensuring better protection for both the public and the firefighters themselves.
"I was pleased to help our volunteer firefighters in Southern Maryland secure the federal resources they need to keep their fellow Marylanders safe," said Congressman Hoyer. "Our firefighters risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of our neighbors and communities. As a co-chair and longtime member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I will do everything I can to back our firefighters as they fulfill their crucial mission."
"Our volunteer firefighters in Charles and St. Mary's Counties work tirelessly to protect the community, and ensuring they have the safety equipment they need is critical. This federal funding will provide our local fire departments with the resources to help keep the public and themselves safe during an emergency," said Senator Van Hollen.
"As lawmakers, we have a responsibility to protect our protectors, providing them with the tools they need to do their job safer and smarter. Volunteering is a labor of love, and we're so proud that this federal funding will equip these Southern Maryland heroes with state-of-the-art technology to keep their community safe," said Senator Cardin.
The federal grants have been awarded as follows:
The awards are provided through the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program with funds from FY2023 annual appropriations, which the lawmakers fought to secure.