NEWARK—U.S. Senators Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today announced that six New Jersey fire departments will receive more than $640,000 in federal funding that can be invested in new equipment and training or safety operations. The funding comes through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.

“This federal funding will help New Jersey firefighters access resources they need to keep our families safe,” said Senator Lautenberg, Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, which funds the AFG program. “First responders risk their lives to protect our communities, and we will continue working to provide local fire departments with the federal resources they need.”

“Our firefighters are ready to sacrifice everything in responding to emergencies and keeping our communities safe. We are obligated to do everything we can to help them obtain the equipment that helps them work safely and effectively,” said Senator Menendez. “I am proud to have fought to keep the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program from being eliminated in the last Congress. I am committed to fighting for federal resources to aid our first responders in the new congressional session.”

The funding amounts for each fire department are listed below:

Monmouth Junction Volunteer Fire Department: $231,434

Wallington Fire Department: $172,283

Township of Union Fire Department: $128,400

East Windsor Volunteer Fire Department #2: $45,000

Hoboken Fire Department: $35,440

Harrison Fire Department: $30,739
The AFG grants are awarded to fire departments and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organizations to improve their capacity to protect the health and safety of the public.

As Vice Chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee,which funds this program, Senator Lautenberg is a leader in supporting the AFG program.

For more information about the programs, please visit: http://www.fema.gov/firegrants/

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