Congressman Andrews Announces Over $6M for Local Fire Departments

Haddon Heights, NJ – Today, Congressman Andrews announced that South Jersey will receive over $6 million in federal funding so that local fire departments can retain and create jobs and purchase the life-saving equipment needed to keep our neighborhoods safe.  The bulk of this funding – nearly $5.5 million – was awarded through Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Responders (SAFER), which will allow Camden City and Collingswood to rehire recently laid-off  firefighters.  The remaining $600,000 was awarded through Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) to towns throughout Camden, Gloucester and Burlington counties to purchase firefighting equipment.

Because of the SAFER program, which is administered under FEMA to increase the number of trained front line personnel, Camden City was able to rehire 15 firefighters to begin work today. In addition, Collingswood received $378,000 in SAFER funds to bring back 3 fulltime firefighters who will start on April 4th. 
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The AFG program, which is designed to aid fire departments in acquiring protective gear, emergency vehicles, and training, has recently provided South Jersey neighborhoods with approximately $600,000. This past Friday, $48,450 in AFG funds were awarded to Glassboro Fire Company to purchase up to date protective gear and replace their thermal imaging camera –  a device that  helps firefighters find people trapped in a blaze. Evesham Fire-Rescue received $44,000 to purchase hydraulic spreaders also known as “jaws of life.” Winslow Township ($200,375), Stratford ($72,800), Westville ($68,700), Wenonah ($49,250), Magnolia ($96,000), and Barrington ($114,000) were also among those awarded AFG funds locally.

“Without this type of program we would be scurrying to be compliant with the [National Fire Protection Association standard], which requires that the gear firefighters wear is not over ten years old,” said Chief Ralph Johnson of Glassboro.  “This grant has really given us a boost, and helped shield the taxpayers and the municipality in these tough economic times.” 

Chief Michael Scardino of Winslow Township, who plans to use the $200,000 grant the fire department received on Feb. 25 to purchase protective equipment, such as pants, hats, jackets, and helmets, said, “It’s a real blessing. There is no way we would have been able purchase this gear without them, and it absolutely helps us keep our 18 full time fighters.”   

“Having adequate firefighting equipment and training is essential to bringing and keeping businesses and jobs in South Jersey,” said Rep. Andrews.  “This money will alleviate many of the budget concerns for these towns, and give our first responders the tools they need to safely do their jobs protecting us.” 

Through the cooperation of FEMA and the U.S. Fire Administration, the AFG and the SAFER grant program have together steered $810 million in grants to fire departments across the nation in the past year.  The next application period will open in May.


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