Newark - U.S. Senators Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today announced that four New Jersey fire departments have received more than $500,000 in federal funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.These federal funds are used for local investments in training, equipment, and health programs for New Jersey first responders.

"Keeping New Jersey's families safe and secure is always our first priority,"said Senator Lautenberg, Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, which funds the AFG program."These federal grants will help ensure that New Jersey'sfirefightersarepreparedto handle emergencies andkeep our communities safe."

"Tough budget times call for tough cuts and tough decisions, but one thing we mustcontinue to fund without question are investments in training, equipment and heath programs for our first responders,"said Senator Menendez."New Jersey firefighters put their lives on the line every time they answer a call to protect our families and our communities. It's our responsibility to make sure they have all the resources they need to carry out their job safely."

The federal grants have been awarded to the following departments:

Skyline Lake Volunteer Fire Department (Ringwood) -$49,875 for operations and safety

Ridgewood Fire Department- $118,076 for operations and safety

Lakeland Emergency Squad- $11,505 for operations and safety

Tinton Falls Fire District #1- $330,125 for operations and safety

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