PALLONE ANNOUNCES BELMAR FIRE DEPARTMENTS TO RECEIVE GRANTS

January 12, 2011

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) announced Wednesday that the Goodwill Hose Co. No. 1 Fire Department has received a $269,800 grant and the Union Fire Co. No. 1 has received a $16,500 grant, both in Belmar, provided through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. Goodwill Hose Co. No. 1 will spend the money on vehicle acquisition as well as operations and safety and the Union Fire co. No. 1 will be spend the grant on equipment and training to improve emergency response capabilities.

“This funding will make a significant difference in the ability of Belmar firefighters to respond to emergencies as quickly as possible,” said Pallone. “Shaving minutes off of response times makes the difference in saving lives and I’m glad this grant will benefit the Belmar community.”

The AFG program is part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Department of Homeland Security and is part of a coordinated effort to improve the nation’s ability to respond to emergency situations.

“Congressman Pallone does a tremendous job fighting for safety of the residents of his district,” said Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty. “The grant money he secured will be used to purchase much needed fire equipment for Belmar’s volunteer fire department.”

During fiscal year 2010, the AFG will award another $390 million to first-responder organizations that need support to improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.