MIKULSKI,
CARDIN, HOYER, EDWARDS ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $3.6 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO
HIRE 24 FIREFIGHTERS IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
WASHINGTON – U.S.
Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Ben Cardin, together with U.S. Representatives
Steny H. Hoyer and Donna F. Edwards (all D-Md.) today announced that
the Prince George’s County Fire Department will receive $3,620,808 in federal
funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Staffing for
Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) program to hire 24 full time
firefighter positions for two years including training and full benefits. As
Vice Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Mikulski fights
each year to increase federal funding for the fire grants program. Senator
Cardin is a member of the Finance Committee.
“I
know how important this funding is to Maryland communities – often it’s the
difference between life and death. First responders protect our homes and
communities, and the federal government has a responsibility to protect them by
providing them with the tools and staffing they need to do their jobs safer and
smarter,” Senator Mikulski said. “Every day when our first responders
report for duty, they don’t know what they will face. That’s why I fight every
year for the equipment, training, and staffing our protectors and communities
deserve.”
“Protecting
our communities from harm is one of the most basic functions of government,”
said Senator Cardin. “This federal investment will help ensure that the
Prince George’s County Fire Department can recruit and retain the best
applicants. First responders in Prince George’s county put their lives on the
line daily and deserve a federal partner as dedicated to public safety as they
are.”
"I
am pleased that the Prince George’s County Fire Department will receive these
funds that will create more jobs and keep residents and businesses safe.” said Congressman
Steny H. Hoyer. “This grant will help the department hire more personnel at
their stations and provide the necessary resources and training they need to
protect our communities. As a co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services
Caucus, I will continue to work on behalf of these brave men and women
firefighters and first responders who put their lives on the line every day to
ensure our safety.”
“Adding
24 full-time firefighter positions is welcome news for the residents and all
first responders in Prince George’s County,” Rep. Edwards said.
“Firefighters are often the first to arrive on scene, and we rely on their
professionalism and training in our greatest moment of need. These
additional firefighters will make a measurable impact in protecting our
communities. I thank Sen. Mikulski for her leadership on this issue, and
today’s announcement highlights the dedication of Team Maryland to ensure the
federal government helps strengthen public safety in Prince George’s
County.”
The goal of any SAFER grant is to
enhance the ability of grantees to attain and maintain 24-hour staffing. The
objective of the program is to award grants directly to volunteer, combination
and career fire departments to help the departments increase the number of
frontline firefighters, and to rehire firefighters who were laid off due to the
economy. The SAFER program provides approximately $340 million in competitive
grants to fire departments and statewide or local volunteer firefighter support
groups.
Since
2001, Maryland Fire Departments and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) units have
received nearly $162 million in fire grant funding, of which $32 million of which
has been awarded to fire and EMS departments in Prince George’s County.
________________________________________________________________________________
The Prince George's County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department is extremely pleased to have received this SAFER Grant that will allow us to hire 24 Firefighters. The Department will initiate a hiring process to create a list of eligible candidates with a potential hire date during the first quarter of calendar year 2016. The 24 recruit firefighters hired through this SAFER Grant will then attend a 6-month Fire/EMS training academy.
Prince George's County Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor said, "I want to acknowledge U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Ben Cardin, together with U.S. Representatives Steny H. Hoyer and Donna F. Edwards (all D-Md.) for their efforts in awarding this Grant. Our Federal elected officials have always been strong supporters of the Fire and Emergency Medical Services and we appreciate everything they do for us."
Mark E. Brady
Chief Spokesperson/PIO
Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department
240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us
@PGFDPIO
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