News Transcript - Englishtown Will Use Grant for Firefighters' Turnout Gear

News Article

By Unknown

A grant from the federal government will be used to purchase protective gear for the members of the Englishtown Fire Department.

The fire department has been awarded a federal grant in the amount of $50,657 for operations and safety measures.

The announcement of the grant was made by New Jersey's U.S. senators, Robert Menendez and Cory Booker, in a press release issued July 24.

"This is a very significant grant and a big boost for the department," said Chief Tom Kirkland. "The money will be used to purchase turnout gear, which is the protective clothing -- helmets, coats, pants, boots and gloves -- firefighters wear on the job."

The chief said the department follows standards established by the National Fire Protection Association, which suggest that after five years, turnout gear should be placed in reserve, and after 10 years, turnout gear should be retired.

The grant from the federal government will help the department keep its equipment up to date, Kirkland said.

The Englishtown Fire Department, which was organized in 1904, has its headquarters on South Main Street. The department has a current roster of between 35 and 40 members, all of whom are volunteers. The president of the fire department is Edward Miller.

Through May, the fire department had responded to 162 incidents this year, according to its website.

The Englishtown Fire Department was one of four New Jersey fire departments that received a total of $540,786 in federal grant awards, according to the press release.

North Haledon, Green Creek and Berkeley Heights also received grants, which were awarded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.

"These grants are incredibly important to help ensure our first responders have the equipment and training they need to succeed in protecting the lives of New Jerseyans," Menendez said. "I will keep fighting to make sure we continue to be prepared for emergency situations, and to make sure our courageous firefighters can protect themselves as well as they protect us."

"New Jersey firefighters valiantly put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe. I am grateful for their service and am pleased to announce muchdeserved and much-needed funding to support the effective operation of [these] fire departments," Booker said.

The grants will all help maintain department operations, and first responder health and safety, according to the press release. -- Mark Rosman

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