NEWARK-U.S. SenatorsFrankR.Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today announced thatsix New Jersey fire departmentswill receive more than$640,000in federal funding thatcan be investedinnew equipment and training or safety operations. The funding comes through the Federal Emergency ManagementAgency'sAssistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.

"This federal funding will helpNew Jerseyfirefightersaccess resourcesthey need to keep our families safe,"said Senator Lautenberg, Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, which funds the AFG program."First responders risk their lives to protect our communities, and we will continue working to provide local fire departments with the federal resources they need."

"Our firefighters are ready to sacrifice everything in responding to emergencies and keeping our communities safe. We are obligated to do everything we can to help them obtain the equipment that helps them work safely and effectively,"said Senator Menendez."I am proud to have fought to keep the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program from being eliminated in the last Congress. I am committed to fighting for federal resources to aid our first responders in the new congressional session."

The funding amounts for each fire department are listed below:

Monmouth Junction Volunteer Fire Department: $231,434

Wallington Fire Department: $172,283

Township of Union Fire Department: $128,400

East Windsor Volunteer Fire Department #2: $45,000

Hoboken Fire Department: $35,440

Harrison Fire Department: $30,739

The AFG grants are awarded to fire departments andEmergency Medical Services (EMS)organizations to improve their capacity to protect the health and safety of the public.

As Vice Chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee,which funds this program,Senator Lautenbergis a leader in supportingthe AFG program.

For more information about the programs, please visit:http://www.fema.gov/firegrants/

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