U.S. Senators Bob Menendez, Cory Booker (both D-N.J), and Congressman Donald Norcross (N.J.-01) today announced a total of $489,407 in federal Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) funding to purchase and upgrade equipment to better equip firefighters across multiple departments. The AFG program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and can be used to purchase emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training.

“Our firefighters put their lives at risk every day to keep our communities safe,” said Sen. Menendez. “It is imperative that we give them the resources needed to safely perform their life-saving work. I believe in fighting for those who fight for us, and so I will continue to work each day to bring more funds back to New Jersey’s firefighters.

“Each and every day, New Jersey communities rely on the brave men and women in our local fire houses to keep our families safe,” said Sen. Booker. “It’s critical we ensure our firefighters have the latest equipment and training through federal investments like this to keep themselves and our communities safe.”

"This grant for South Jersey Fire Departments will help us protect those who are protecting us," said Congressman Norcross. "We must do all we can to ensure our firefighters are as safe as possible when they are battling fires and saving lives. This funding provides our first responders with the equipment they need to best serve our communities day in and day out.”

The following grants were awarded:

$466,667 – City of Gloucester (Camden County)

  • To purchase more than 70 new breathing apparatus for firefighters between three departments: Gloucester City, Mount Ephraim, and Westville.

$22,740 – Robbinsville Township (Mercer County)

  • To upgrade defibrillators and automated chest compression devices (for CPR) in ambulances

Since it was established in 2001, New Jersey has received nearly $163 million in funding from the AFG program to enhance response capabilities, as well as to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public and emergency response personnel. The purpose of the AFG Program is to award grants directly to fire departments, nonaffiliated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organizations, and state fire training academies to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel.

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