CFSI Honors U.S. Rep. Hoyer as Legislator of the Year

The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) presented Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) with its 2015 Legislator of the Year Award.

The award presentation took place at the annual winter meeting of the CFSI National Advisory Committee in Washington, DC. A co-chairman of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus since 1991, Congressman Hoyer was recognized for his legacy of leadership on behalf of our nation's fire service.

As a co-chairman of the Fire Caucus, Congressman Hoyer has played a pivotal role in the passage of major fire service legislation throughout the years. In 2000, he helped guide legislation through the Congress that created the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, which has provided approximately $10 billion in grants to fire departments across the country.

These funds have enabled fire departments to address their baseline needs and to increase staffing at both career and volunteer stations. Hoyer has also been a vocal supporter for increased funding for the United States Fire Administration and the National Fire Academy. In addition, the Congressman has provided strong leadership in efforts to improve the delivery of the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program, which provides federal benefits to families following the death of public safety officers - including firefighters - in the line of duty. And each year, Congressman Hoyer shows his respect to our nation's fallen firefighters and their families by participating in the annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Emittsburg, Maryland, the site of the memorial.

"For 24 years, Congressman Hoyer has stood by the side of firefighters offering his support in so many different ways," said Dr. William F. Jenaway, President of the Congressional Fire Services Institute. "We are honored to work with him and truly grateful for his continued support."

CFSI Vice President Jim Estepp presented the award on behalf of the CFSI Board of Directors. Composed of 38 national fire and emergency services organizations, the NAC convenes semi-annually to discuss issues that the fire service can collectively address in Washington, DC.

CFSI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan policy institute established in 1989. Its primary mission is to educate members of Congress on the role of our nation's fire service in protecting our homeland.

For more information about CFSI visit www.cfsi.org