NJ fire departments get FEMA funding for equipment, training

By Stephen J. Novak
The Eastern Express-Times

WARREN COUNTY, N.J. — Four fire departments in Warren County and the Bethlehem area recently received more than $243,000 in grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The agency awards Assistance to Firefighters grants at various times each year so fire departments and emergency medical services organizations can purchase equipment or training for their members.

Hackettstown Fire Department was the recipient of the largest grant of the four at $123,477, which was announced Jan. 29. Town and fire officials at a council meeting Monday said the grant will be used for new air packs for firefighters.

"That's really good news for the town of Hackettstown," said Councilwoman Maria DiGiovanni.

This was the first grant Hackettstown firefighters were able to secure after trying for eight years, according to a news release from the department.

The neighboring Allamuchy Township Volunteer Fire Department was awarded $13,908 for equipment last week, according to the FEMA Web site.

Also last week, the Fountain Hill Fire Department received word it will be getting $69,825 for personal protection equipment.

The FEMA site also showed the Se-Wy-Co Volunteer Fire Co., which covers part of Lower Saucon Township, will be getting $36,618 for equipment.

The Allamuchy, Fountain Hill and Se-Wy-Co departments did not immediately return calls asking about specific projects for the grant money.

Forty-three grants totaling almost $3.3 million were awarded in New Jersey in the most recent round, according to FEMA. Pennsylvania saw 87 awards totaling almost $6.3 million.

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