With the additional funding, the department will be able to purchase improved breathing apparatuses for firefighters
At the end of August, U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez and Congressman Donald Norcross joined local South Jersey firefighters and mayors to announce the awarding of more than $800,000 in federally funded grants to fire departments.
Earlier this month, a release from Menendez’s office announced nearly $1.4 million in additional funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to support fire departments, with the Voorhees Township Fire Department receiving approximately $150,000 through the Assistance to Firefighters program.
Other departments receiving AFG awards include fire departments in Westville, Essex and throughout Camden.
The grant allows fire departments to buy new equipment and enhance safety measures for their firefighters, better preparing them for the dangers they may encounter while on the job.
“The incredible men and women in New Jersey fire departments go above and beyond their call of duty to keep our communities and families safe. The best way for us to thank them for their services is to guarantee they have the necessary means to stay safe while doing their jobs,” Menendez said in the release.
Federal funding through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response and AFG programs has been trickling in for weeks, with more than $5 million having been announced on Friday, Aug. 24.
Since 2001, the state has received more than $176 million in AFG grants and more than $250 million in SAFER grants since 2006.
“The brave men and women in firehouses across New Jersey put their lives on the line each and every day protecting our communities,” said Sen. Booker in a statement, who also announced the new batch of federal grants to South Jersey fire stations. “It’s imperative we stand up for them by providing the necessary federal resources needed to ensure their safety and the security of our communities.”
Voorhees Director of Fire and Emergency Services Chief Louis Bordi made a statement, after receiving the news of the grants, specifying the new equipment the grant money will be used to improve.
“I received notice today of the federal funding award from DHS that will allow for the replacement of essential first responder equipment donned by our career and volunteer members of the Voorhees Township Fire Department,” said Bordi. “Our outdated Self Contained Breathing Apparatus will be replaced with state-of-the-art equipment that will allow our members to respond to calls in our community, and surrounding communities, with the confidence needed to supply superior services our residents have come to expect. This award will undoubtedly increase the safety for our firefighters for years to come and will save local tax dollars.”
