Robert Menendez

Menendez, Lautenberg Announce $1.3 Million To Replace Decades-Old Fire Trucks In East Hanover & Highlands

Federal Funds Will Help Local Departments Purchase New Fire Trucks

June 21, 2012

Washington - U.S. Senators Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today announced that the Township of East Hanover Fire District and Highlands Volunteer Fire Department  have received more than $1.3 million through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program to replace aging fire trucks.

“To keep New Jersey families safe, our first responders need and deserve the best equipment,” said Senator Lautenberg, Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, which funds the AFG program.  “Firefighters in East Hanover, Highlands and everywhere in New Jersey need safe, reliable equipment, and this federal grant will help local departments purchase new trucks to keep families safe and secure.” 

“Tough times call for tough decisions, but one thing we must continue to fund without question are investments in proper equipment 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 the resources they need to carry out their job safely and effectively.” 

Through this grant, the East Hanover Fire Department will receive $712,500 to replace an outdated vehicle with a new ladder truck. The department's current vehicle has required extensive repair.

The Highlands Volunteer Fire Department will receive $665,000 to replace two aging vehicles, 32 and 25 years old, respectively, with a new fire engine that includes an apparatus that reaches more than 76 feet.

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