Pallone Announces $1,096,000 in Federal Funding for Perth Amboy Fire Department

Press Release

Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the Perth Amboy Fire Department has been awarded a $1,096,000 federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant. The SAFER program is a part of the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Funds under the SAFER program are intended to support the hiring of firefighters and the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters.

"I am very pleased that the Department of Homeland Security has selected the Perth Amboy Fire Department to receive this federal grant," said Congressman Pallone. "These funds will allow Perth Amboy to hire additional firefighters and first responders and to recruit new volunteer firefighters to join the department, making the community an even safer place to live."

"I want to thank Congressman Pallone and Senator Booker for supporting the City and helping expand services to our residents," said Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz. "Our Fire Department is progressive and proactive, not only in protecting our families through public safety, but also in fire prevention and community outreach. This grant will allow us to reach staffing levels that we have not seen in over 20 years."

The goal of SAFER grants is to enhance the ability of fire departments across the country to maintain 24-hour staffing and to assure that their communities have adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards. This funding allows departments to increase the number of frontline firefighters on staff, as well as enlist and retain volunteer firefighters who are properly trained in the operations of firefighting and emergency response. The SAFER program provides approximately $320 million in competitive grants to fire departments and statewide or local volunteer firefighter support groups.

The AFG program is part of a coordinated ongoing effort by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security to improve the nation's ability to respond to emergency situations.

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