The Hoboken Fire Department has received a $64,000 Assistance to Firefighters Grant, which will be utilized for training and equipment, from FEMA.
The AFG is meant to protect the health and safety of the public and firefighting personnel against fire and fire-related hazards.
Specifically, the Hoboken Fire Department will use the federal funds toward firefighter training, including academy tuition for new hires, and new equipment, including 12 sets of turnout gear.
“I’m grateful for this federal support which will help our dedicated firefighters do their jobs even more safely and effectively. Their safety, and that of all our residents, is and always will be a top priority, and I appreciate any funding that supports those who put their lives on the line to keep us safe,” Mayor Ravi Bhalla said in a statement.
“This money will only further boost public safety, strengthen Hoboken’s emergency preparedness, and enable our firefighters to even better serve our community”
added Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante.
The Hoboken Fire Department responds to over 5,000 emergencies a year and participates in regional response initiatives including the New Jersey Regional Fireboat Task Force for marine emergencies, and the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) for technical
rescues.
Additionally, the Hoboken Fire Prevention Bureau includes a fire marshal and fire inspector who enforce fire codes, educate the public about fire safety, engineer solutions to mitigate emergencies, and investigate the origins and causes of fires.
“I am proud of the firefighters who applied for and were once again awarded this federal funding which will offset expenses, allowing our department to allocate budget money to other critical needs,” noted Fire Chief Anton Peskens.
“The training and specialized equipment our team will receive with the FEMA funding, will continue to ensure they have what they need to keep Hoboken safe.”