Mt. Ephraim, Gloucester City & Westville Fire Depts. Awarded $466,667 Grant

Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced that Gloucester City, Mount Ephraim and Westville Fire Departments have been awarded a $466,667 federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG).

“This grant for South Jersey Fire Departments will help us protect those who are protecting us,” said Congressman Donald Norcross, “We must do all we can to ensure our firefighters are as safe as possible when they are battling fires and saving lives. This funding provides our first responders with the equipment they need to best serve our communities day in and day out.”

Norcross has consistently advocated for grant applications for Fire Departments in South Jersey and his office supported this application to purchase more than 70 new breathing apparatus for firefighters between three departments: Gloucester City, Mount Ephraim, and Westville.

“It means everything to us. It makes us feel a lot safer. The other equipment we have is 15-20 years old,” said Captain Patrick Hagan of the Gloucester City Fire Department. “Now, we’ll have the newest, latest and greatest equipment that will make us compatible with surrounding communities and their fire departments, which is critical because we run mutual aid with them. Thanks to Congressman Norcross for his support on this grant. We’re very pleased to have him representing us up on the Hill.”

“This is a great asset and a great help to our firefighters,” said Chief Brian Gilmore of the Mount Ephraim Fire Department. “It makes life and the actions of our firefighters a lot safer to perform their duties.”

“This is good for us as we take the next step modernizing our air packs,” said Chief Eric Farley of the Westville Fire Department. “The one primary goal of this regional grant application was to standardize the equipment among the departments—important from a firefighter safety standpoint. Financially, it’s a big help for us. By receiving this grant, it takes some of the burden off the taxpayers.”

The AFG program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and can be used to purchase emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training.

The AFG program ensures that fire departments around the country are equipped with tools they need to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters. Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and first responders obtain equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other needed resources.

(Source: Congressman Donald Norcross)