Pallone Announces Perth Amboy Will Receive $3.6 Million to Bolster Firefighter Staffing

Perth Amboy, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced that Perth Amboy will receive $3.6 million in federal funding to support 12 additional firefighters. The funding comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) funding grant. The funding will help the city meet the meet the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines of having a minimum of 17 firefighters on duty at all times.

“This is wonderful news for Perth Amboy. The federal funding will allow the city to maintain adequate staffing to meet the needs of the city’s growing population and keep residents safe and healthy,” Pallone said. “It’s essential that our first responders have the resources they need to respond to emergencies. I am thrilled the city secured this funding, and I’ll continue to help bring federal funding to New Jersey to support first responders.”

"We are immensely grateful for the recognition of the Perth Amboy Fire Department through the FEMA SAFER Grant award,” said Mayor Helmin J. Caba. “This grant holds profound significance for our city, as it strengthens our commitment to public safety. "The addition of personnel will directly impact enhancing our emergency response capabilities, ensuring the well-being of our residents and firefighters alike. I want to thank Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. and all those who championed this cause, as their support strengthens our city's resilience and safety."

“We are thrilled to announce that we have been awarded a 2022 FEMA SAFER Grant, a significant milestone for the Perth Amboy Fire Department,” said Fire Chief Edward Mullen. “With this funding, we will be able to hire 12 additional firefighters, increasing our personnel to 84, which will allow us to maintain NFPA 1710 standards even during periods of minimum staffing to always ensure the safety of team. This grant funds the necessary positions to make it possible to assign a rapid intervention crew at every fire scene, enhancing the protection of our brave firefighters and enabling us to safeguard our city and neighboring towns. I want to thank our esteemed elected officials, including Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. and federal legislative officials for their support, as well as Mayor Caba and the City Council for their approval of this crucial grant application.”

“The safety of our residents is the most fundamental service a Fire Department can provide. This SAFER funding will help the Perth Amboy Fire Department increase public safety and improve staffing, while also helping our brave firefighters perform their job safely and efficiently,” said Steve McConlogue, President of the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey. “The PFANJ applauds Congressman Pallone and the IAFF for their continued advocacy to equip our locals with the proper resources.”