BLACKWOOD, NJ – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez and U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today announced $827,690 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to support fire departments in South Jersey. These grants will allow fire departments to hire more firefighters, buy new equipment and enhance safety measures. (Click here to view or download Congressman Norcross' remarks and click here to view or download Senator Menendez' remarks.)

“These grants for South Jersey Fire Departments will help protect those who are protecting us,” said Congressman Donald 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.”

“In recent years, I’ve worked hard to keep funding for our first responders off the chopping block. Last year, I joined Senator John McCain on legislation to reauthorize these grant programs, which are vital to keeping the 30,000 fire departments across America prepared for today’s challenges,” said Senator Menendez. “So let me say to the firefighters and emergency personnel here today, so long as I am New Jersey’s Senior Senator you better believe I will fight back against any proposal that undermines the heroic work that all of you do each day.”

The following departments received AFG awards:

• $280,516 – Woodbury Fire Department (Woodbury)
• $126,839 – Berlin Fire Company No. 1 (Berlin)
• $111,429 – Lawnside Volunteer Fire Company No.1 (Lawnside)

The AFG Program supports state fire departments, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organizations and fire training academies to improve their ability to protect the well-being and safety of all Americans and first responders.

The following department received SAFER grants:

• $154,764 – Gloucester Township Fire Department (Blackwood)
• $154,142 – Chews Landing Fire Department (Blackwood)

Funds under the SAFER program support the hiring of firefighters and the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters.

“Congressman Norcross and Senator Menendez have consistently advocated for adequate funding for the Federal Government’s SAFER Grant Program, and the awarding of this grant will save our taxpayers $154,000.00 over the next three years,” said Chief Millisky of Chews Landing.

###

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