Menendez, Booker, Pascrell Announce $700K in Federal Grants to Protect Firefighters in Paterson

Press Release

U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, and Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (N.J.-09) today announced the awarding of $716,088 in federal Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) funding to purchase new breathing apparatus for the firefighters. The AFG program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

"Our firefighters put their lives on the line each day serving our community, and we must ensure they are provided the proper equipment, training and support to effectively and safely carry out their duties," said Sen. Menendez. "This federal investment in the Paterson Fire Department with help first responders protect the city and its residents."

"When our communities face emergencies, it's the brave men and women in New Jersey's local firehouses like Paterson who put their own safety on the line to protect our families," said Sen. Booker. "That's why we must continue to fight for federal investments that provide the latest equipment and training in order to enable our first responders to do their jobs safely and efficiently."

"This federal investment in Paterson's firefighters will provide them with the resources they need to be prepared for any emergency in the Silk City. The brave men and women of the Paterson Fire Department put their lives on the line ever day to keep our community safe. That is why I was a proud author of the Firefighter Investment Response Enhancement Act to ensure they have the support they needed to do their job," Rep. Pascrell said.

Since it was established in 2001, New Jersey has received over $163 million in funding from the AFG program, including $3,408,583 to the Paterson Fire Department, to enhance response capabilities, as well as to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public and emergency response personnel. In recent years, Paterson has also received $20,848,312 in Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants to hire and retain firefighters.

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