Camden receives $5.1M to rehire over half of its laid-off firefighters

Haddon Heights, NJ – This week, Congressman Rob Andrews joined State Senator Donald Norcross (D-5) and Camden City Mayor Dana Redd to announce that over $5 million had been awarded to the City of Camden to rehire over half of the firefighters laid-off last month. The funds were awarded through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a program that provides $420 million in grants nationwide for rehiring laid-off firefighters and retaining those whose jobs are in jeopardy due to budget constraints.

SAFER grants are awarded on a competitive basis depending on a department’s financial and staffing needs. In each application, FEMA considers the grant’s impact on the department's daily operations and prioritizes its awards based on how the community and current firefighters are at risk without the newly funded positions. The funds awarded to Camden will support two years of salaries and benefits for the newly rehired positions.

“The City cannot bounce back without a fully staffed fire department to protect the safety and welfare of its residents and businesses,” said Congressman Rob Andrews. “This federal investment allows the City to bring back over half of those laid-off last month without having to make even more difficult budget cuts. We will continue to pursue every option that reduces public safety lay-offs and helps the City return to stability.”

“I want to assure Camden residents that even during these difficult economic times, public safety remains my top priority,” Mayor Redd said.  “I truly thank Congressman Andrews for his support and tireless effort in securing a portion of the federal SAFER grant for the City of Camden.  I will continue to work with Senators Menendez and Lautenberg, Congressman Andrews, State Senator Norcross, and Assemblymen Fuentes and Wilson to seek solutions that will assist us in enhancing public safety initiatives in Camden, as well as bringing back as many police and fire jobs as possible.”

"I'm glad Camden was awarded this funding because there is no replacement for a well trained, well equipped firefighter," said Senator Donald Norcross (D-5). "We can't predict when these brave men and women will be called into action, but making sure they have the resources needed is the only way to ensure the safety of residents."

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