Van Hollen, Mikulski, Cardin Announce $278,736 In Federal Funds To Recruit Firefighters In Montgomery County

Press Release

Today U.S. Representative Chris Van Hollen, Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, joined U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Ben Cardin (all D-Md.) to announce that the Gaithersburg -- Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department (GWGVFD) will receive $278,736 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) program. Senator Mikulski is the Vice Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Senator Cardin is a member of the Senate Finance Committee.

"Our first responders put their lives on the line every time they put on their uniform. We owe it to them to make sure they have the resources they need to keep our community safe," said Congressman Van Hollen. "I know this grant will go a long way toward ensuring Montgomery County attracts and retains the best men and women for the job."

"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."

"Volunteer fire fighters across Maryland put their lives on the line daily to safeguard our communities," said Senator Cardin. "They deserve partners who are as dedicated to the mission as they are. This grant will ensure that the Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department can recruit and retain the best and brightest and better serve the area."

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