NEWARK, NJ – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today announced a combined $960,729 in federal grants to improve safety and operations and recruit new firefighters in seven local fire departments across New Jersey. Administered by the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) can be utilized to purchase emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training. FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants can be used to retain, recruit and hire full-time firefighters.

“Investing in our fire departments is an investment our own safety and the safety of our families and communities,” said Sen. Menendez. “These grants will help ensure our firefighters have the tools and equipment they need to both protect themselves and expand their capacity to respond to fires and emergencies in the neighborhoods they serve.”

“Communities across New Jersey and our nation rely on the bravery and expertise of local first responders to keep our families safe,” said Sen. Booker. “By providing New Jersey’s local fire departments the latest equipment and training through federal investments like this, we are letting our first responders know that their safety and ability to do their jobs efficiently is paramount.”

The following AFG grants were awarded:

  • Woodcliff Lake Volunteer Fire Department $148,572 for operations and safety
  • Montague Volunteer Fire Department $350,191 for vehicle acquisition
  • Audobon Park Volunteer Fire Department $89,715 for operations and safety
  • Jackson Fire District 3 $54,273 for operations and safety
  • Hoboken Fire Department $169,091 for operations and safety
  • Collingswood Fire Department $48,520 for operations and safety

The following SAFER grant was awarded:

  • Kingwood Township Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 $100,367 for recruitment

Each year, Sens. Menendez and Booker hold workshops across the state to help local fire departments prepare top-quality applications for these very competitive programs.

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