U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, announced today that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded $727,272 to the Cliffside Park Fire Department and $238,095 to the Rutherford Fire Department. Rep. Pascrell worked closely with DHS to secure these Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program awards for North Jersey’s Bravest. These grants will help provide a state-of-the-art firetruck for Cliffside Park and updated communications equipment for Rutherford.

"North Jersey’s firefighters are putting their lives on the line like never before. As we continue to beat back COVID-19, this federal aid for Bergen County’s Bravest will help keep our first responders equipped and safe on the job. I am extremely proud that we have secured this grant for Rutherford and Cliffside Park,” said Rep. Pascrell, who wrote letters of support to DHS on behalf of both departments. “This federal investment in our communities will help provide a brand-new firetruck for our firefighters in Cliffside Park. It will also help Rutherford install a new communications system to ensure firefighters have all the information they need on the job. Firefighting is a dangerous and noble profession. Each and every one of our community’s firefighters deserves our praise and support. This federal investment in their safety is a small token of the gratitude we owe them. Now more than ever our first responders must have the full support of the federal government.”

“Congressman Pascrell’s commitment to public safety, is second to none. He is a tireless advocate for the residents of Cliffside Park. The new fire equipment that will be purchased with the proceeds from this grant will help ensure the safety of the resident of Cliffside Park for many years to come,” said Cliffside Park Mayor Thomas Calabrese.  

Annual funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program is provided by Rep. Pascrell’s Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement (FIRE) Act, which was signed into law in 2000 by President Bill Clinton. Administered by DHS’ Federal Emergency Management Agency, the AFG program provides direct support to eligible fire departments to help them meet the demanding and ever-evolving nature of their work.

Through his FIRE Act, Rep. Pascrell helps procure hundreds of thousands in federal support for New Jersey firefighters each year. Since the outset of the pandemic, Rep. Pascrell has worked to secure millions in emergency federal funding to aid New Jersey in its fight against the virus.