CAMDEN, NJ – Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that the Camden Fire Department will receive $338,978 in federal funding from the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG), which is administered in part by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These funds will empower firefighters in Camden City to enhance safety measures and acquire protective equipment to improve their safety as they protect the life and property of Camden residents from fire and other hazards.

“This grant is welcome news to the firefighters and first responders that put their lives on the line to protect our loved ones,” said Congressman Norcross. “Ensuring our firefighters have the resources they need to stay safe on the job and keep our neighbors safe is critical. This federal funding helps deliver those resources. I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure local firefighters and the families they serve are protected.”

“This FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant will go a long way to fund the special operations training our Camden Fire Department needs in order to protect our residents," said Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen. "Our fire personnel are typically the first to arrive at an emergency. Their ability to properly respond to hazardous situations can be a matter of life or death. I commend Congressman Donald Norcross for consistently advocating for funding so that our first responders have the tools and training they need in order to be most effective.”

“The Camden Fire Department and all of its members would like to once again thank Congressman Norcross for his continued support and assistance with opportunities to provide excellent fire and emergency service to the residents of the City of Camden,” said Fire Chief Michael L. Harper, Camden Fire Department. “We are very thankful for his sponsorship and provision in allowing us to receive a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant that will provide multi-level special operations training for our members. This training will not only train our members for special operation high hazard responses in the City of Camden but also for our mutual aid partners throughout the region. As our department transitions, our younger members will benefit most from this training to accelerate their operational experience and learning.”

The 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.