CONGRESSMAN CHRIS VAN HOLLEN
Maryland’s 8th District
For Immediate Release
August 27, 2015
Van Hollen Announces Grant for $539,463 to Help Volunteer Firefighters in Montgomery County
Rockville, MD – Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen announced that a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant for $539,463 has been awarded to the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
“Every day, volunteer first responders in Montgomery County and across our state put their lives on the line to protect our communities – without any compensation,” said Congressman Van Hollen. “SAFER grants are part of an effort to increase the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters. This investment will help these brave men and women keep our families, homes, and businesses safe.”
The SAFER program is part of DHS’ initiative designed to strengthen the nation’s ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards and improve the nation’s overall level of preparedness. The goal of any SAFER grant is to enhance the ability of grantees to attain and maintain 24-hour staffing and to assure that their communities have adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards. The objective of the Recruitment and Retention of Volunteer Firefighters activity is to create a more favorable working environment for volunteer firefighters, encourage current volunteers to continue with their volunteerism, and entice new volunteers to join.
