Washington - U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) today announced that eight New Jersey fire departments will be receiving funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in the latest round of Assistance to Firefighters Grants. The senators reiterated the importance of enhancing New Jersey first responders' capabilities to enhance public safety across the state.

"Our state's bravest risk their own lives to save others without hesitation, and the least they deserve is to be properly equipped," said Menendez. "This dedicated stream of funding for fire departments helps ensure public safety, and I am glad that these municipalities will be able to enhance their preparedness."

"Firefighters are often the first to respond to an emergency," said Sen. Lautenberg. "They put their lives on the line to keep us safe and deserve our support. These grants will go a long way toward ensuring our Fire Departments have the necessary resources to enhance their response capabilities and protect the community."

These Assistance to Firefighters Grants will be distributed to eight jurisdictions in New Jersey-Lincoln Park, Springfield, Richland, Rumson, Belleplain, Fanwood, Evesham and Riverdale cities will receive these grants mainly to improve their operations and safety efforts. Evesham and Richland will receive the largest share, over $200,000 each.

Below is a breakdown:

· Evesham Fire-Rescue, Evesham, NJ - $262,350 - Operations and Safety

· Richland Volunteer Fire Company #1, Richland, NJ - $257,212 - Vehicle Acquisition

· Lincoln Park First Aid Squad, Lincoln Park, NJ - $21,128 -Operations and Safety

· Springfield First Aid Squad Inc., Springfield, NJ - $11,400 -Operations and Safety

· Rumson Fire Department, Rumson, NJ - $133,000 -Operations and Safety

· Belleplain Emergency Corp, Belleplain, NJ - $24,833 -Operations and Safety

· Fanwood Rescue Squad, Fanwood, NJ - $10,533 -Operations and Safety

· Riverdale Volunteer Fire Department, Riverdale, NJ - $39,778 -Operations and Safety

The Assistance for Firefighter Grants (AFG) are awarded to fire departments and non-affiliatedmedical service (EMS) organizations. According to DHS, the firefighter grants are awarded to applicants that best address the priorities of the Assistance for Firefighter Grants program.

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