Through these grants, departments can improve departments in numerous ways
While in Gloucester Township this past week, U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez and Congressman Donald Norcross announced federal funding for Gloucester and Camden county fire departments while alongside local South Jersey mayors, fire chiefs and firefighters.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security awarded $827,690 in federal funding through grants to South Jersey fire departments to hire more firefighters, buy new and better equipment and provide additional services, such as enhanced safety measures.
“All of us share a commitment to keeping our communities safe and secure for South Jersey families, and that’s what brings us here today,” said Menendez. “To all the first responders who joined us, we want to thank you for your service; New Jersey is thankful for your service.”
Gloucester Township, Berlin, Woodbury and Lawnside are the four recipients of the federal funding for South Jersey, with money being acquired through two grants.
The Gloucester Township Fire Department and Chews Landing Fire Department, both in Blackwood, were awarded approximately $154,000 in federal funds, to “support the hiring of firefighters and the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters” through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant, according to a release by Menendez.
Meanwhile, Berlin Fire Company №1, Woodbury Fire Department and Lawnside Volunteer Fire Company №1 were awarded at least $100,000 in federal funding through the Assistance to Firefighter Grants to support training and new equipment for state fire departments.
Norcross also took to the podium to thank firefighters for there service and to ensure the community that he will continue to fight for more funding for local departments across New Jersey.
“These grants for South Jersey fire departments will help protect those who are protecting us,” said Norcross. “This funding will allow our local departments to hire more firefighters and ensure our first responders have the equipment they need to best serve our communities day in and day out. We must do all we can to keep our firehouses well-staffed and keep our firefighters as safe as possible when they are battling fires and saving lives.”
According to Chief Mike Millisky of Chews Landing, the awarding of the SAFER grant will save taxpayers $154,000 over the next three years.
According to information received from Menendez’ office, the state has received more than $176 million in AFG grants since 2001 and more than $250 million in SAFER grants since 2006.
