The Governor of New Jersey, Phil Murphy, has announced the allocation of $20 million in American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grants to local and regional fire departments across the state. The funding aims to ensure firefighters have access to adequate protective equipment. The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) awarded these grants to 353 fire departments following a competitive application process.
This marks the second time the Murphy Administration has distributed funds from the American Rescue Plan's Firefighter Grants. In November 2022, $10 million was allocated to 293 fire departments.
Governor Murphy stated, "Me complace que mi Administración haya podido duplicar la asignación de fondos presupuestales del ARP del presente año, de $10 millones a $20 millones, para los departamentos de bomberos, que proporcionan servicios críticos y que protegen vidas en nuestras comunidades." He added that this program allows local governments to equip firefighters without disrupting their budgets.
Murphy acknowledged legislative support for this initiative: "Este financiamiento no sería posible sin el apoyo de nuestros legisladores estatales y federales, que una y otra vez han priorizado las necesidades de nuestros socorristas de emergencias."
Interim DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez emphasized the financial challenges faced by fire departments: "Puede ser difícil para los departamentos de bomberos reemplazar el equipo cuando es necesario debido a los altos costos que eso significa y las limitaciones financieras."
Federal and state lawmakers in New Jersey have long advocated for budgetary resolutions and safety measures supporting fire departments since the grant program began nearly 25 years ago.
Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr., co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, praised Governor Murphy's decision: "Luché para que se incluyeran fondos para nuestros socorristas de emergencias en el Plan de Rescate Estadounidense del presidente Biden."
The grants will help cover costs associated with acquiring protective clothing, cleaning equipment, breathing apparatuses, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other necessary materials as determined appropriate by the Division of Local Government Services within DCA.
Applicants had to outline their intended use of funds and list key personnel managing grant administration. All local and regional fire departments in New Jersey were eligible to apply for these reimbursement-based grants.
State Fire Marshal Richard Mikutsky highlighted the importance of such funding: "La vestimenta y equipo de protección son extremadamente importantes para la salud física y mental de los bomberos."
Ed Donnelly from NJ FMBA stressed cancer prevention among firefighters as a priority while Robert F. Ordway from the State Firemen’s Association commended Governor Murphy’s leadership in ensuring firefighter safety.
Matthew Caliente from PFANJ expressed gratitude towards Governor Murphy for prioritizing member safety through this initiative: "El gobernador Murphy prioriza constantemente la seguridad de nuestros miembros y por eso le expresamos nuestra gratitud."
