U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today announced four local fire departments will receive a total of $575,965 in federal grants from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This federal funding will allow the departments to buy new protective equipment and enhance safety measures.

“Our firefighters put their lives on the line every time they rush to an emergency,” said Congressman Norcross. “This funding will ensure our brave first responders have the equipment to protect our communities and increase the size of their response teams. I’ll continue fighting to keep our firefighters as safe as possible when they are battling fires and saving lives.”

The following local fire departments received grants through DHS funding:

• $448,615 to Glendora Volunteer Fire Company
• $38,205 to East Greenwich Township Fire & Rescue
• $89,144 to Gloucester City Fire Company
• $6,571 to Berlin Fire Company

“First and foremost, I would like to thank Congressman Norcross and his staff for their time and attention to our grant application. The application is for funds for additional equipment and training for our swiftwater and dive team programs,” said Chief Joseph M. Jackson Jr. of Berlin Township Fire Company. “The Berlin Township Fire District #1 Swiftwater and Dive Team is made up of members of West Berlin Fire Rescue and Berlin Fire Company, exemplifying the shared service concept that Congressman Norcross endorses. The Team not only serves both Berlins, but additionally is a Camden County asset as part of the Camden County Type 1 team and can be deployed anywhere at any time. The Team was part of the Camden County Team that responded and performed numerous evacuations and rescues in North Jersey, as a result of Hurricane IDA.”

“Speaking for the Residents of East Greenwich Township, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Congressman Norcross for his unwavering support towards our local first responders and volunteer fire companies in South Jersey and Gloucester County. This grant was much-needed financial relief and without the Congressman's support would fall on the burden of the local residents. The Congressman has been instrumental in the past helping East Greenwich Township to obtain grants and we are thankful for his leadership and support,” said East Greenwich Township Mayor Dale L. Archer.

“East Greenwich Township Fire and Rescue would like to thank Congressman Norcross for his continued support for the fire service in South Jersey. Without his unwavering support, federal grant opportunities like this would not continue to be possible. This grant will help provide our volunteer fire department with much-needed equipment and training in firefighter survival techniques to ensure the safety of our personnel,” said Chief Rob Gould of East Greenwich Township Fire and Rescue.

“On behalf of all our partners in this grant, I would like to thank Congressman Norcross for his continued support of the First Responders in the 1st District and across the country,” said Chief Michael Hagan of Gloucester City.

“We appreciate all of the support from our elected officials and our combined effort to provide the protection equipment our firefighters need to protect our residents at a reasonable cost to the taxpayer. The cost of air packs is very expensive and without this award, we wouldn’t be able to replace this vital protective equipment,” said Chief Michael Ricciardelli of Glendora.

FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (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 AFG Program has provided approximately $7.1 billion in grants to first-responder organizations since 2001.