NEWARK, NJ - U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-NJ) todayannounced federal grant awards totaling $296,408 for fire departments in Columbus and Sea Bright, New Jersey through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.

"Our fire departments need this funding to help New Jersey's brave firefighters keep our communities safe," said Sen. Menendez. "I always welcome funding like this becauseIam committed to ensuring our first responders are receiving the tools needed to protect the lives of New Jerseyans in emergencies."

"Every day New Jersey firefighters put their lives on the line for our communities. Funding like this helps to ensure their safety and the safety of the communities they protect," Sen. Booker said. "I will continue to work with Sen. Menendez to make sure our bravest are equipped with everything they need, because timely responses and adequate resources are critical to every emergency."

The specific grant awards follow:

  • $53,588 will go to Franklin Fire Co #1 in Columbus, New Jersey for the purchase of new breathing apparatuses, jackets and nozzles.
  • $242,820 will go to the Sea Bright Fire Department in Sea Bright,New Jersey for the purchase of 30 new sets of turn out gear, 10 air packs, and a new fire truck hose damaged during Superstorm Sandy.

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.

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

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