Pascrell Presents $72K Grant to Fire Department

U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) made a special appearance at Monday's Township Council meeting to announce that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded a new federal F.I.R.E. Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) grant to the Livingston Fire Department in the amount of $72,000. 

"If you get one of these grants, you deserve it," said Rep. Pascrell.

The grant will help the fire department obtain two emergency back-up power generators for the firehouses at 2 East Hobart Gap Road and 375 West Northfield Road.

"There have been times when we have operated without power," said Livingston's Fire Chief Christopher Mullin, who was on hand with other representatives from the Fire Department to receive the award. "It's vital to have fully functioning stations at the ready to protect our community. It means a lot that we got this grant and we thank our congressmen for their efforts in obtaining it."

Congressman Pascrell introduced the Firefighter Investment Response Enhancement (F.I.R.E.) Act in March 1999. This grant will help ensure that the Livingston Fire Department will be able to weather the storms and remain at the ready to protect the community, he stated. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administers the F.I.R.E. Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) directly to fire departments. Since 2001, the AFG has provided approximately $4 billion in grants to first-responder organizations to obtain emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting emergency vehicles and training.  

The U.S. House of Representatives reauthorized the AFG program in November 2009 with $1 billion per fiscal year from 2010 to 2014.  New Jersey fire departments have received more than $97 million in AFG awards during fiscal years 2001-08.

Livingston's Township Council also thanked Congressman Pascrell for the grant and for taking time to address the Council and public.

"Anytime, grants are welcome.  But this year, grants are particularly welcome," said Mayor Arlene Johnson.

Rep. Pascrell agreed. 

"We know how tough and tight local budgets are," he said.  "Your department is a great department."