Kean announces more than $500,000 in federal grants for fire departments in 7th District
NEW JERSEY — Rep. Tom Kean Jr. announced Tuesday that more than $510,000 in federal grant funding has been awarded to six fire departments in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District to support public safety operations.
The $510,531 in funding was awarded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Fiscal Year 2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grants program, which provides resources for equipment, training and emergency preparedness, Kean’s office said.
“I am thrilled to announce that we brought home over $500,000 in federal dollars to support six fire departments in New Jersey’s Seventh Congressional District,” Kean said. “Every day, our firefighters put their lives on the line to protect our families and neighbors, and these grants will help departments purchase essential equipment, enhance training, and strengthen readiness to keep communities safe. I remain committed to supporting our first responders and I encourage other departments in the district to apply for these grants. My office stands ready to assist throughout the process.”
Kean’s office said he helped departments navigate the application process by hosting a webinar in February 2024 and submitting letters of support for departments seeking funding. The grants were made available through the Fire Grants and Safety Act, legislation sponsored by Kean and signed into law in July 2024 that reauthorized several federal fire safety programs for five years.
Summit Mayor Elizabeth Fagan said the funding will directly benefit residents.
“We are grateful for this $75,000 AFG grant and for Congressman Kean’s support in securing these funds for Summit,” Fagan said. “This grant directly benefits our residents by giving our firefighters the tools and training they need to respond quickly and safely in any emergency. Investing in our fire department is investing in the safety and well-being of the entire Summit community.”
Clinton Fire Department Chief Jeff Hedden said his department plans to use its grant to upgrade protective gear.
“With this AFG grant, we are looking to purchase between 15-18 sets of turnout gear, boots, helmets, gloves, and cancer reducing hoods. We thank the Congressman for advocating for us and the district,” Hedden said.
Delaware Township Fire Company Chief Greg Bunting said new equipment will improve emergency response.
“This grant is a game-changer for our department,” Bunting said. “Our firefighters rely on dependable communications when responding to emergencies. These new radios will not only improve our operational efficiency but will also help keep our members and residents safe.”
Westfield Fire Chief Michael Duelks said his department will use its award to purchase protective equipment.
“I am honored to announce that the Westfield Fire Department has been awarded $45,818 from the FY2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program,” Duelks said. “The funding will be utilized to assist the department in purchasing additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for our personnel.”
Pohatcong Mayor David Slack said the funding is especially important for smaller municipalities.
“These federal grants are very important to small towns like Pohatcong. Our budgets are extremely tight as it is and these federal grants provide the funding needed to our first responders to things possibly outside our current budgets,” Slack said.
The grant recipients and award amounts are:
- Township of Pohatcong Fire Department: $68,571
- Town of Westfield Town Hall: $45,818
- Delaware Township Fire Company: $242,857
- Kingwood Township Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1: $4,000
- Town of Clinton Fire Department: $74,285
- City of Summit: $75,000
Fire departments in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District seeking federal assistance are encouraged to apply for Fiscal Year 2025 fire safety grants through FEMA. For assistance, departments may contact Kean’s district office at 908-547-3307.
