Hoyer Announces Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant Awarded to the National Volunteer Fire Council

Press Release

Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) announced that a $2,390,479 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant was awarded to the National Volunteer Fire Council in Greenbelt, Maryland. The grant will be used for the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters.

"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," stated Congressman Hoyer. "Today's grant announcement will allow us to confront one of those challenges -- the ability to keep our fire stations adequately staffed and prepared when disasters strike. I'm pleased the National Volunteer Fire Council has received this important funding, which will help recruit, train, and retain skilled firefighters here in Maryland and throughout the country. I'm proud to advocate for these vital investments in public safety, and I will continue to fight to ensure our fire departments are prepared and equipped to protect our communities."

"The NVFC is pleased to accept a SAFER grant to launch a national campaign to help local departments recruit and retain volunteer firefighters. With FEMA's help, America's volunteer fire service will be strengthened and communities will be better served and protected," said Philip C. Stittleburg, Chairman of the National Volunteer Fire Council.

The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program provides the necessary funding to help attain and maintain 24-hour staffing at our nation's fire stations so that communities are protected from fire and fire-related hazards. The program provides approximately $320 million in competitive grants to fire departments and statewide or local volunteer firefighter support groups.

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