Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar announced that the Laredo Fire Department will receive a $1,552,500 grant from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The funds are allocated from the Department’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program.

“As Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness & Response, I’m delighted to the see federal dollars reaching our local first responders,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Grant programs like this one are crucial in ensuring that our nation’s first responders are properly equipped and trained. As subcommittee chair I will continue fighting to ensure that programs like this one are properly funded and accessible.”

The goal of the SAFER program 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. This grant also intends to create a net increase in the number of trained, certified, and competent firefighters
Laredo Mayor Raul G. Salinas said, “Congressman Cuellar understands that City of Laredo firefighters are on the frontline protecting not only the citizens of this city, but also of this country. This grant will help us adequately staff our fire department with enough firefighters to meet the growing challenge of a growing community.” 

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Majority Senior Whip.