Pallone Announces Over $300,000 in Federal Funding for Metuchen to Upgrade First Responder Dispatch System

Long Branch, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced today that Metuchen has been awarded $301,324 in federal grant funding from the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program. The borough will use the funding to upgrade its communication system with the purchase of portable radio systems that will ensure uniformity with Middlesex County and Rutgers University’s dispatch systems.

“Our first responders perform incredible work every day to keep our communities safe and healthy,” said Pallone. “This funding ensures these brave individuals have the equipment they need to communicate with other emergency responders seamlessly, which will help save lives during times of crisis. We are thankful for our first responders and their commitment to our community.”

“This is great news for Metuchen as we work to improve the communication system our first responders use,” said Mayor Jonathan Busch. “I’m grateful to Congressman Pallone and our federal partners for supporting this funding. First responders perform essential work to keep our community safe, and this funding will make sure they can continue to respond to emergencies effectively.”

The AFG program is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Homeland Security and is part of a coordinated effort to improve the nation’s ability to respond to emergency situations. Since its implementation in 2001, the AFG program has provided over $8 billion to fire departments and EMS organizations across the country. Congressman Pallone has consistently supported the AFG program since its creation.