WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that a Gloucester Township Fire Department has been awarded a $153,214 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant.

This SAFER grant will allow the Fire District 4 department to add a fifth full-time firefighter, with a fair salary and benefits, to their staff, which includes nearly 30 volunteers. 

"I am always fighting to create jobs and to keep the public safe,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “Our local firefighters run into danger to protect our friends, families and neighbors; the least we can do is make sure they are receiving fair pay and good benefits. This grant is good news for the people of Gloucester Township and I will continue to support South Jersey’s Fire Departments.”

“I want to thank Congressman Donald Norcross for his support of Gloucester Township Fire District 4’s initiative to apply for the FEMA SAFER grant to hire an additional firefighter. This funding will further enhance public safety in Gloucester Township,” said Gloucester Township Mayor David Mayer.

“This additional firefighter will help our department reduce response time on calls, offset costs by reducing overtime, and alleviates the burden on our volunteer firefighters,” said Gloucester Township Fire District #4 Captain Frank P. Reiss. “This is the second successful SAFER Grant award to Gloucester Township District #4. Previously, we were awarded a grant to hire a full-time firefighter back in 2013.”

The SAFER Program, run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), provides funds so fire departments around the country are properly equipped with the tools they need to keep the public safe. The SAFER grants help fire departments and volunteer fire organizations maintain the number of trained individuals ready to help those in danger in their communities. 

###

Contact: Ally Kehoe, Communications Director
ally.kehoe@mail.house.gov