Today, Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced $122,388 in federal funding awarded to the Borough of Collingswood’s fire department through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). Administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the funding will provide critical resources and equipment that train firefighters and emergency personnel.

“South Jersey’s firefighters and emergency personnel are some of the best in the nation,” Rep. Norcross said. “They run toward danger to protect our communities and keep us safe. That’s why we must continue to provide them with the best equipment and tools they need.  Keeping South Jersey safe remains one of my top priorities in Congress, and I will continue to work on both sides of the aisle to support first responders and improve public safety.”

AFG grants are awarded directly to fire departments, nonaffiliated emergency medical service (EMS) organizations, State Fire Training Academies (SFTA), and non-federal airport and/or port authority fire or EMS organizations to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel. Using a competitive process that is informed by fire service subject-matter experts, grants are awarded to applicants whose requests best address AFG’s priorities.

“The funding received from this grant will replace outdated communications equipment and send firefighters to a Firefighter II training program. We will also purchase a quantitative fit testing machine to guarantee proper fitment of life safety equipment and provide this testing to surrounding fire departments free of charge,” Collingswood Fire Department Chief Geoffrey Joyce said. “We want to thank Congressman Norcross for his support of this grant that will better equip and train firefighters in Collingswood and throughout South Jersey.”

In March, Rep. Norcross announced more than $500,000 in federal grants for South Jersey firefighters in Bellmawr and Stratford. Rep. Norcross also announced over $300,000 in AFG funding for Camden City firefighters in January.