Newark - U.S. Senators Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today announced that the Lanoka Harbor Volunteer Fire Co. has received$280,250in federal funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program to replace two aging fire engineswith a new upgraded vehicle.

The engines, which have been in use since 1989 and 1978, respectively, will be replaced withanewvehiclethat holds more than 300 gallons of water, significantly improving the department's ability to fight fires.

"To keep New Jersey families safe, our first responders need the best equipment available,"said Senator Lautenberg, Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, which funds the AFG program."Lanoka Harbor's fire truck fleetis aging and in serious need of improvement,and this federal grant will make important upgrades to enhance the fire company's ability to keeplocalfamilies safe and secure."

"Clearly, the time has come for Lanoka Harbor's volunteer fire company to replace its aging fire trucks and I'm so pleased this grant will mean a brand new, upgraded vehicle,"said Senator Menendez."New Jersey firefighters answerthecallsto protect our families and our communitiesand it's our responsibility to make sure they have all the resources they need to carry outjobstheir safelyand effectively."

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