Rep. Watson Coleman Announces Nearly $1 Million SAFER Grant to Ewing Fire Department
U.S. Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) announced that the Ewing Township Fire Department will receive $971,469 in federal funding from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to recruit, train and retain firefighters. The funding was awarded from DHS’ Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program.
“This grant is great news for the Ewing Fire Department, but also all Ewing residents. Day in and day out this company relies on one another to keep our citizens safe, and this funding will allow them to expand that dedicated team,” said Watson Coleman. “I will continue to advocate for our first responders and ensure they have the resources and support they deserve to perform their duties to best of their ability. The safety of our cities depend on it.”
Similar to the popular Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) which grants federal funding in one-year grants directly to fire departments to support the nation's firefighters, the SAFER program will award approximately $345 million in competitive grants to local fire departments specifically for the recruitment and retention of volunteer and professional firefighters.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Department of Homeland Security administers both programs. Annually, the office of Rep. Watson Coleman collaborates with FEMA representatives to host local seminars for first-responders highlighting the benefits of this grant program and assist with the application process. Past seminars have been held in coordination with Rep. Frank Pallone (NJ-06) and included representatives across the district’s municipalities. More information is available at www.fema.gov/firegrants.
###