Ocean County Fire Company Awarded $210K FEMA Grant

Press Release

Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04) announced today that the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Department, Manchester Township, has been awarded an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) award for over $210,000 to purchase critically-needed self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and turn out gear.

"This important FEMA grant will help protect firefighters in harm's way in Manchester Township," said Smith, a long-time member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. "Firefighters require reliable equipment in order to survive in smoke-filled environments. Ridgeway members need this funding to safely do their jobs--which is protecting the lives, homes and businesses of the people they serve. The equipment they use currently is nearly out of date, so this grant will help keep them safe for years."

The funds will be used to replace low-pressure SCBA gear including new face pieces and high-pressure bottles. The new equipment will replace older sets that are out of compliance and unreliable. Turn-out gear is comprised of the fire suits, boots and helmets.

"Our turn-out gear is more than 20 years old, and our air packs are outdated after next year. This couldn't have come at a better time," said Mike Trimarchi, Chief of Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Department

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