After a long process we are happy to announce the fire association was awarded the 4-year SAFER Grant for Recruitment Retention totally $384,000.00. The leadership will be meeting next week to discuss the hiring of a coordinator and the grant expectations for the next 4 years. This grant will assist our association's recruitment and retention committee to further enhance their capabilities to recruit and retain volunteers in Charles County. This was our second attempt in applying for this grant and are most thankful for the opportunity to strengthen our efforts to increase volunteer staffing across the county. Our special thanks to United States Senator Chris Van Hollen and his Chief of Staff Bart Kennedy for their support of the volunteer fire service both here and across the nation.