Hogan for Maryland today met with members of the Greenbelt Fire Department to discuss their staffing shortages and the consequences of underfunding from local officials. Professional firefighters of the Greenbelt Fire Department are going to be reassigned due to lack of funding, putting additional pressure on the volunteer firefighters in Greenbelt and all the departments in the region who are already severely understaffed.
“I’ve always been a strong supporter of our brave first responders who run toward danger, who rush into action during emergencies. Ensuring they have the resources they need is not just a priority, but a necessity, and it’s just not happening in Prince George’s County,” Governor Hogan said. “These staffing shortages are part of a pattern of county leadership failing to prioritize public safety, putting both the first responders and the community at risk. I was proud to work to fully fund and support our first responders as Governor, and in the U.S. Senate, I’ll continue working for those who sacrifice so much for us.”
The Fire Department warned Governor Hogan that the pervasive understaffing will lead to increased response times and lower quality of service for Prince George’s County residents, putting residents and first responders at risk.
This Thursday, June 27, the Greenbelt Volunteer Fire Department is holding a volunteer interest meeting at their station at 7:00 p.m. to learn about volunteer opportunities with GVFD and to meet current members.
