WASHINGTON, DC – June 4, 2014, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) announced that the Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad has been awarded $161,975 in federal grant funds to improve operations and safety through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.

“Today’s announcement of grant funding for the Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad is excellent news for our community,” stated Congressman Hoyer. “With fire fighters and first responders putting their lives at risk to keep our community safe, we must do everything we can to support their work. I’m pleased this funding will enhance the Department’s ability to do their jobs safely and effectively, and as co-chair of the Congressional Fire Caucus, I will continue to work with fire fighters in Maryland and throughout the country to ensure they have the resources and support they need.”

“The AFG grant money will go toward replacing all of the Departments SCBA’s (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus),” stated Steve Cook, President of Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Inc. “With soaring expenses, this is a welcome benefit to the Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad in meeting the needs of our community. The bottom line is that the best equipment will be protecting the lives of men and women who give of their time so freely to help protect others in the community. Maintaining the safety of our community and volunteers is our number one priority. Having this grant funding is huge for our department and couldn’t have come at a better time.”

AFG funding is awarded to fire departments and EMS organizations to enhance their response capabilities and more effectively protect the health and safety of the public and emergency response personnel. Congressman Hoyer helped establish the AFG Program in 2001 and since then over $15 million has been awarded to Fifth District fire departments.

For more information: http://www.fema.gov/welcome-assistance-firefighters-grant-program