Pascrell Announces $42K Federal Grant for Secaucus Fire Department

PATERSON, NJ – U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, announced today that $42,600 has been awarded to the Secaucus Fire Department as part of the Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) program. 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. Secaucus FD will use this award to invest in training and purchase machines that will thoroughly decontaminate firefighters’ PPE. The washing machines will improve firefighter health and safety and reduce health risks.

Funding for this grant program is provided by Rep. Pascrell’s Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement (FIRE) Act, which was signed into law in 2000 by President Bill Clinton.

“As we continue to beat back COVID-19, our nation’s firefighters are putting their lives on the line like never before. This federal investment in Secaucus’ Bravest will help them continue their vital work of keeping our community safe,” said Rep. Pascrell, a stalwart champion of America’s fire services. “Earlier this month we secured $14,058 for Secaucus Fire to equip their fire rescue boat with a state-of-the-art communication system. Working with President Biden, I am more confident than ever that these grants will continue to flow into our cities and towns here in North Jersey. I am proud that we were able to bring this federal money home for our community, and I will continue to fight for every cent that supports New Jersey’s first responders.”

Rep. Pascrell is a longtime champion of public safety funding in the Congress. Earlier this year he helped pass President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, which provided an additional $200 million for the Staffing for Adequate Fire Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program in FY21, which supports the hiring and retention of firefighters. The relief package also includes an additional $100 million for Rep. Pascrell’s AFG program in FY21, which helps departments invest in lifesaving equipment and resources, such as personal protective equipment, and provide training and mental health support. Annual funding for the AFG program is provided by Rep. Pascrell’s Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement (FIRE) Act, which was signed into law in 2000 by President Bill Clinton.

Through his FIRE Act, Rep. Pascrell helps procure hundreds of thousands in federal support for New Jersey firefighters each year. Since the outset of the pandemic, Rep. Pascrell has worked to secure millions in emergency federal funding to aid New Jersey in its fight against the virus. Rep. Pascrell helped pass the CARES Act in March 2020, which also included $100 million in emergency AFG funding.