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Governor Phil Murphy has some big news for New Jersey firefighters. He announced that $20 million will be given to fire departments across the state throughout 2024. The money comes from the American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grants and is meant to help firefighters get better protective gear, cleaning equipment, and sanitation tools.
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs chose 353 fire departments to receive this money after they applied and were chosen in a competition. This is the second time that Governor Murphy's team has given out these grants. The first time was in November 2022, when they gave $10 million to 293 fire departments.
Governor Murphy said he's happy that his team could double the amount of money given to fire departments this year, from $10 million to $20 million. He said this helps local governments save money while making sure firefighters have the equipment they need. He also thanked the lawmakers in the state and in Washington D.C. for supporting the state's first responders.
The fire departments will use the grant money to buy things like:
- Protective clothing (like suits, pants, helmets, gloves, boots, etc.)
- Cleaning equipment
- Breathing devices
- Personal protective equipment
- Other tools to protect against fire or viruses
A full listing of the awards to each municipality is posted on the state's website.
To get the grant money, each fire department had to explain what they would use the money for, who would be in charge of it, and show that their leaders approved their plan. All fire departments in New Jersey could apply for the grant.
The grants work by giving the money back to the fire departments after they've bought what they need. The fire department has to show that they've paid for the equipment to get the money.