WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) today announced federal grant awards totaling $280,045 for fire departments in Madison, Lakehurst, Carteret and Gloucester City through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.

"This federal funding is critical to helping ensure firefighters throughout our communities are ready to respond to emergencies," said Sen. Menendez. "We are obligated to do everything we can to make sure our firefighters have the training and equipmentthey need to work safely and effectively. That's why I am committed to fighting for this program on behalf of our fire departments and personnel who protect our communities every day."

"The equipment these federal grants will provide to the brave firefighters of Madison, Lakehurst, Carteret, and Gloucester City will protect them as they protect their communities," said Sen. Booker. "Senator Menendez and I believe that our firefighters deserve cutting edge training, the best equipment, and adequate staffing, and we will continue to tirelessly advocate for grant programs that achieve those ends."

The AFG program provides funding to enhance response capabilities, as well as to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public and emergency response personnel. These grants can be invested in training, protective equipment, fitness programs, modifications to facilities, and supplies that support firefighting operations and safety.

The specific grant awards follow:

  • $125,400 to Madison Fire Department toreplace 25 SCBAs - self contained breathing apparatus.
  • $76,609 to Lakehurst Volunteer Fire Department to replace 13 SCBAs - self contained breathing apparatus.
  • $32,265 to Carteret Fire Department to purchase new equipment.
  • $45,771 to Gloucester City Fire Department to purchase four new Thermal Imaging Cameras for search and rescue and fire suppression.

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