Pascrell Announces $117,000 Federal Grant to Protect Englewood Firefighters

PATERSON, NJ – U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, announced today the awarding of a $117,000 federal Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) to the Englewood Fire Department. Administered by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency, the AFG program provides direct support to eligible fire departments to help them meet the demanding and ever-evolving nature of their work. This grant will be used by the Englewood FD to help its brothers obtain training and new certifications.

“The brave men and women of the Englewood Fire Department put their lives on the line every day to keep our community safe,” said Rep. Pascrell. “This federal investment will provide Englewood’s firefighters with the resources they need to be prepared for any emergency. As co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I will continue to fight for each and every federal dollar for our first responders so that they can do their jobs safely and efficiently.”

“Congressman Pascrell’s support to firefighters is unwavering and greatly appreciated,” said Englewood Fire Chief Erik Enersen. “This grant will be used to have all of our Fire Officers obtain numerous supervisor level training classes that are required by the State of New Jersey and recommended by NFPA and the Insurance Service Organization (ISO). It is extremely reassuring to know that there is an elected official looking out for those of us who are here to protect life and property. I offer to Congressman Pascrell, what is referred to in the fire service as a Tip of the Helmet, and a sincere Thank You.”

The AFG program provides financial support to fire departments to purchase equipment, training, emergency vehicles, and other firefighting and fire prevention activities. The funding is made possible under Rep. Pascrell’s Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement (FIRE) Act, which was signed into law in 2000 by President Bill Clinton.

Last month, Rep. Pascrell celebrated the signing into law of his Firefighter Cancer Registry Act (H.R. 931), which creates a national cancer registry for firefighters diagnosed with the deadly disease. Rep. Pascrell and Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) first announced introduction of the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act in May 2016 during a news conference at Clifton Fire Station 5, where they were joined by dozens of firefighters, including retired Haddon Heights Fire Chief Gene Dannenfelster, who since lost his battle with cancer. H.R.931 was introduced in the 115th Congress on February 17, 2017.

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