Pascrell Announces $98K in Federal Grants for Ridgefield Fire Department

Federal awards will help protect first responders and keep residents safe

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, announced today that the Borough of Ridgefield has been awarded $98,316.66 in federal fire safety grants. Ridgefield will receive $88,800 through the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program to support hiring and retention efforts for their fire department. The funds will help ensure that the borough is adequately staffed with trained and experienced firefighters who can respond quickly and effectively to emergency situations. In addition, the Borough will receive $9515.66 through the Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) grant program to implement and expand fire safety measures throughout the community. These funds will support education and outreach efforts aimed at preventing fires and promoting fire safety.

“Ensuring the safety of our communities is a top priority and why I authored the law creating our federal firefighter grant programs over two decades ago,” said Congressman Pascrell. “These grants will help Ridgefield strengthen its fire department and improve fire safety measures throughout the borough. I am proud to have helped secure these funds for Ridgefield and will continue to work tirelessly to support our first responders.”

“On behalf of our department, I want to say how grateful we are for all the support from Congressman Pascrell’s office in assisting us with this grant,” said Ridgefield Fire Chief David Brierty. “Volunteer departments like ours need help like this to continue our work and we appreciate everything the Congressman has done to help. These funds will help strengthen our department and protect our community.”

Congressman Pascrell is a longtime champion of public safety funding in the Congress.  With the COVID-19 pandemic straining fire departments, Rep. Pascrell secured $200,000,000 in emergency funding for the SAFER program and $100,000,000 for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program to ensure fire departments had every resource they needed to weather the storm. Through his Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement (FIRE) Act, Pascrell has helped deliver millions in federal support for New Jersey firefighters each year for investments in lifesaving equipment and resources, personal protective equipment, training, and mental health support.

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