Princeton Fire Department To Receive Federal Grant

The Princeton Fire Department has been awarded a federal grant of more than $350,000, money that will go to recruit and train volunteer firefighters. 

The department has 80 volunteers, said Mark Freda, Princeton's director of emergency services. 

Using the grant, the department hopes to increase the number of volunteers to 120 over the next four years. 

"The more members you have the easier it is to arrange for crews to be on duty at night," Freda said.

Princeton is one of five New Jersey departments divvying up $2 million in federal grants, State Sens. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) announced on March 14.

Princeton will get $361,500 through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program.

Despite a roster of 80 volunteers, Freda said there are times when the department is stretched thin. 

About 30 volunteers only work during work hours on weekdays. The other 50 volunteers cover nights, weekends and weekdays. Some are more involved than others. 

"In reality, it's still a challenge at times to make sure we have enough people available," Freda said, adding that the SAFER grant is specifically for recruitment of volunteers.

"The grant is something that we chased outside of our normal budget," Freda said. "The whole idea is that the money allows you to do things as far as recruitment and retention that normally you wouldn't be able to do under your existing budget."

Fire departments in Orange, Forked River and West Cape May and Newark will also receive grants funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.