Congressman Jeff Van Drew Announces Three SAFER Grant Awards Exceeding $6,000,000 to Fire Stations in South Jersey

(Washington, DC) – Congressman Jeff Van Drew announces the award of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) competitive Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program totaling $6,104,877.00 to fire stations in New Jersey’s Second Congressional District. The award will be split between three fire departments throughout the district in South Jersey.

The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grants was created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase the number of trained, “front line” firefighters available in their communities. The goal of SAFER is to enhance the local fire departments’ abilities to comply with staffing, response and operational standards established by the NFPA.

“Our firefighters are our lifesavers. They are brave, essential, heroic parts of our community,” said Congressman Jeff Van Drew. “I am very pleased that these awards are coming to South Jersey as they transition to saved lives. I am proud of our firefighters every day, and I look forward to seeing the direct benefits of these awards on our community.”

“The Atlantic City Fire Department is very excited to receive the SAFER Grant award. This will increase safety and save lives for Atlantic City residents,” said Chief Scott Evans of Atlantic City Fire Department.

Today’s funding announcement includes $294,725.00 to the Woolwich Fire Company in Swedesboro, New Jersey, $1,467,000.00 to the City of Pleasantville, and $4,343,152.50 to the City of Atlantic City for hiring, recruitment, and retention of firefighters.