Today, U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-09) announced that the Department of Homeland Security awarded a $34,239 federal FIRE Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to the Secaucus Fire Department. Specifically, the grant will allow the department to invest in new thermal imaging equipment. This grant is the seventh Operations and Safety Grant awarded to Secaucus, totaling $745,215.

“Secaucus firefighters deserve top-notch equipment and training, and I'm glad this federal grant will provide them with the resources they need to purchase equipment to make their work safer," said Rep. Pascrell. "This grant funding will enable the Secaucus Fire Department to invest in new thermal imaging equipment that will help firefighters see through think smoke and protect the brave men and women who keep Secaucus safe. In the end, it's technologies like this that can save lives. I'm proud to work tirelessly in Washington, D.C. to fight for these brave first responders."

This AFG program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration. These grants allow fire departments to purchase or upgrade equipment, vehicles, workplace training, and other firefighting and fire prevention activities. It also funds Fire Prevention and Safety Grants which are used for fire awareness and prevention activities, as well as fire safety related research. The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant (SAFER) program makes grants to local fire departments to assist in the hiring of firefighters.