The Hoboken Fire Department will hire four new recruits after receiving a $1,177,988.28 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant, U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker announced.
“The safety of our communities and residents is one of the most fundamental services a government can provide which is why I am proud to advocate at every opportunity for New Jersey fired departments to receive SAFER grants,” Menendez said in a statement.
“This funding will help these local fire departments increase safety and improve services while also helping our brave firefighters do the lifesaving work they so selflessly perform.”
The Ship Bottom and Toms River Fire Departments also received $441,600 and $508,256 SAFER grants, respectively, for recruitment and retention of firefighters.
In the case of Hoboken, the funding will be enough to cover the salaries of four firefighters for four years.
“Our brave firefighters selflessly put their lives on the line every day to protect us. These grants will enable fire departments to respond swiftly to emergencies and keep their communities secure,” added Booker.
“These critical funds will allow the city to bring on more qualified firefighters, helping the Hoboken Fire Department better protect and serve our community,” noted Mayor Ravi Bhalla, who also thanked U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8) for his assistance.
Nationwide, SAFER grants come from funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
“This SAFER grant will ensure that the Hoboken Fire Department has additional resources to continue the selfless and dedicated work that its firefighters perform every single day in one of New Jersey’s most densely populated cities,” explained Rob Menendez.