LA PLATA, Md. — The Charles County Board of Fire and Rescue discussed ongoing challenges with federal fire service grants during its meeting Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, noting both restored payments and stalled equipment funding.
The update came from Lynn Gilroy, chairman of the Volunteer Firemen’s Association, who delivered the volunteer coordinator’s report on behalf of Bill Smith, who was absent due to work with new cadets.
Gilroy said payments from FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program have returned to normal, providing needed support for volunteer staffing and coordination. The SAFER program is designed to help departments hire, recruit and retain firefighters, particularly in communities that rely heavily on volunteers.
The county is also awaiting funding through FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), which is expected to deliver 125 sets of personal protective equipment (PPE) to local departments. The AFG program provides funding for essential resources such as turnout gear, breathing apparatus, training and other safety equipment to ensure firefighters are properly protected on the job.
Gilroy confirmed officials are monitoring communications from FEMA on the grant status, stressing the urgency of the award.
“The cadet class needs them very badly, and so do the departments that are part of that grant. Departments may need to issue PPE to new cadets. More information to follow,” Gilroy said.
Gilroy also raised concerns about broader federal funding, explaining that the Department of Homeland Security fire grant program had its funds frozen earlier this year under presidential action. He said the freeze has made it difficult for departments to stay aligned with the program and created added uncertainty for agencies depending on those grants.
“The fire grant program is Department of Homeland Security, and their funds were frozen under actions by the president a couple months ago, and it’s been a struggle just to make sure we stay on tune with that,” he said.
FEMA grants have played a vital role in Charles County. The Charles County Volunteer Firemen’s Association received $384,000 in September 2023 for recruitment and retention. The Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad was awarded $480,000 in August 2024 for operations and safety. That same month, the Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department and EMS secured $153,695, and a year earlier the Tenth District Volunteer Fire Department was granted $249,897 for similar safety upgrades.
Gilroy also reported that 150 cancer screenings for volunteers were recently completed, paid for through grant support.
The Board of Fire and Rescue’s next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025. You can watch the full Aug. 21 Board of Fire and Rescue meeting on CCGTV.
What Is the SAFER Grant Program?
The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant is a federal program under FEMA that helps fire departments — particularly volunteer and combination units — hire and retain firefighters, or convert part-time or paid-on-call staff to full-time, to meet industry staffing standards.
There are two main categories under SAFER:
- Hiring of Firefighters, which covers salary and benefits for new or rehired firefighters.
- Recruitment and Retention of Volunteer Firefighters, aimed at increasing and sustaining volunteer staffing levels.
What Is the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG)?
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) is FEMA’s main program for equipping and training fire departments and EMS providers.
It funds purchases of:
- Protective gear such as turnout coats, helmets and gloves.
- Respiratory equipment, including SCBAs (self-contained breathing apparatus).
- Training programs for career and volunteer firefighters.
- Facility modifications to improve safety.
In Charles County, departments such as Hughesville have relied on AFG awards to maintain safe operations.
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.
Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!
