Governor Murphy Proposes $10 Million for Firefighter Grant Program

New Jersey's Fire Departments to Benefit from American Rescue Plan Funding for Protective and Sanitation Equipment

Governor Phil Murphy visited Paramus Fire Company 3 today (May 2, 2023) to announce his proposed $10 million allocation from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) for Fiscal Year 2024 to support the continuation of the Firefighter Grant Program. Launched in May 2022, the program helps provide funding to local and regional fire departments across New Jersey, ensuring firefighters have access to proper protective, cleaning, and sanitization equipment.

Governor Murphy emphasized the importance of providing the best equipment to the state's firefighters, who risk their lives daily to keep communities safe and healthy. The funds will help supply essential gear such as protective clothing, cleaning equipment, oxygen equipment, personal protective equipment, and other fire or virus protection equipment as determined by the Department of Community Affairs' (DCA) Division of Local Government Services (DLGS).

During the previous year's funding round, DLGS awarded a total of 293 fire departments with up to $56,000 to cover the costs of necessary equipment. Grant awards were primarily prioritized for volunteer fire departments and those in communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. If approved by the Legislature, the Department of Community Affairs will administer the grant program once again.

Prominent figures such as Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, Congressman Josh Gottheimer, Congressman Bill Pascrell, Senator Joseph Lagana, Assemblymembers Lisa Swain and Chris Tully, Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco, and leaders of firefighter associations expressed their support for the governor's proposal. The Firefighter Grant Program aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of New Jersey's firefighters, allowing them to better serve and protect their communities.