WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today announced a combined $1,069,414 in federal funding to recruit and hire new firefighters, and to enhance operations in seven different fire companies across New Jersey.
“New Jersey firefighters risk their lives to protect ours – the very least we can do is ensure that they are fully prepared and equipped to protect themselves, and that their departments are adequately staffed to keep our communities safe.” said Sen. Menendez. “I am proud of all their work and deeply grateful for their sacrifice. I will continue to work to secure grants like these so that New Jersey families can rest easy knowing our firefighters can effectively and safely protect their families and homes.”
“The brave men and women in firehouses across New Jersey put their lives on the line each and every day protecting our communities,” said Sen. Booker. “It’s imperative we stand up for them by providing the necessary federal resources and adequate staffing needed to ensure their safety and the security of our communities.”
Grants totaling $700,194 were awarded through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant, which helps local fire departments to hire, recruit and retain firefighters to ensure proper staffing levels and better protect their citizens and communities. It is awarded competitively and administered by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
SAFER city recipients are:
- Wildwood, Cape May County (Recruitment): $350,400
- Blackwood’s Gloucester Twp. Fire District 4, Camden County (Hiring one full-time firefighter): $153,214
- West Deptford’s Green-Fields Volunteer Fire Company, Gloucester County (Recruitment): $108,800
- Mount Laurel Fire District #1, Burlington County (Recruit, retain, train, and pay for physicals for volunteer firefighters): $87,780
Three fire departments received grants totaling $369,220 through the Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) funding from FEMA to ensure local firefighters are properly equipped and trained for operations and safety.
AFG Fire Department Recipients:
- Pine Beach Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1, Ocean County: $142,366
- South Plainfield Volunteer Fire Department, Middlesex County: $192,473
- City of Burlington Fire Department, Burlington County: $52,381
Since 2005, New Jersey fire departments have been awarded over $242 million in SAFER grants. New Jersey has received over $165 million in funding from the AFG program to enhance response capabilities, since it was established in 2001.
