Pixabay/Ventnor and Margate will use their American Rescue Plan funding to purchase turnout gear.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
It's all about protecting our firefighters and ensuring they have the proper equipment when it's needed, Margate Fire Chief Dan Adams said Thursday morning about Downbeach towns being awarded funding from the American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grant program.
The state received $10 million from the American Rescue Plan to distribute to 293 New Jersey fire companies on a competitive basis. Margate was awarded $27,000, while Ventnor received $36,000.
Equipping our firefighters with the proper gear is crucial to allowing them to safely and successfully do their jobs, Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement announcing the grants.
Having appropriate gear, clothing and equipment is critical for firefighters' physical and mental health, particularly for those who serve in fire departments with limited operating budgets and large numbers of volunteers, Lt. Gov. and DCA Commissioner Sheila Oliver said.
Adams said the grant amount was a small portion of what the department needs but every little bit helps, he said.
He estimates the department will need an additional $85,000 to assure firefighters are safe performing their jobs.
Ventnor City Fire Chief said the department's $36,000 allotment of funds would purchase about 8 or 9 sets of turnout gear. Firefighting regulations require turnout gear to be replaced every 10 years.
With each set of turnout gear costing $4,000 to $6,000, this is a huge help for Ventnor, Cahill said.
He was hoping to receive the maximum grant amount of $75,000, but said he is grateful to the state for coming through with the amount of funding the city received.
With new firefighters coming on board, we cannot reissue old gear. This will help us equip all our firefighters with the protection they need.
Cahill said that since he became chief five years ago, the department has brought on 15 new firefighters.
To qualify for the funding, the department had to describe the intended use of the funding, how the grant funds would be managed, and submit a resolution from the governing body.
Grants were reviewed based on the scope of the department's needs, number of calls, population served, the impact of COVID-19 on personnel and the city's commitment to protecting firefighters by providing matching funds.
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