PRESS RELEASE
WILLINGBORO, New Jersey – Congressman Andy Kim announced recently that Bordentown Township Fire District 1, Bordentown Township Fire District 2, and Chesterfield Fire District 1 were awarded a total of $462,909 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program to replace outdated equipment, look after firefighters’ safety, and support first responders’ service protecting New Jersey communities.
“Our first responders deserve to have the equipment they need to stay safe when they’re called to an emergency,” said Congressman Kim. “I am proud to have helped bring federal dollars back to firefighters in Bordentown Township and Chesterfield to make sure they are prepared and have the best safety equipment as they look after the needs of others. For all our first responders in New Jersey do to protect us, it is critical we are always looking for ways to address their needs and honor their service.”
The AFG program provides funding to fire departments across the country for a wide range of equipment. The Bordentown Township and Chesterfield fire departments will use the funding to replace outdated self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) devices with new safety-compliant SCBA sets, including facemasks, packs, and air cylinder containers, as well as bottles, masks, and rapid intervention SCBA units.
The Bordentown Township Fire District 1, Bordentown Township Fire District 2, and Chesterfield Fire District 1 respond to over 2,400 calls a year, over 170 structure fires in their immediate jurisdiction, over 50 structure fires in neighboring districts, over 300 vehicle fires, hazmat’s, and other potential Immediately Dangerous to Health or Life (IDLH) calls each year. Currently, the three fire departments rely on outdated SCBA that lack protective mechanisms and advanced technology present in updated and compliant SCBA devices, and rely on facemasks that do not meet current testing requirements.
“On behalf of the Board of Fire Commissioners, Career & Volunteer Firefighters, and most importantly the residents of the community, we wish to extend our deepest gratitude for Congressman Kim’s support in assisting with the successful award of this grant request. Self-contained breathing apparatus are an integral part of firefighting, and we could not perform the services without them. We could not have brought our outdated line of equipment to the current safety standards without Congressman Kim’s support. This grant allows the Board of Fire Commissioners the ability to replace the current equipment at a small fraction of the cost, relieving the burden of this cost from the taxpayers,” said Chief Thomas P. Komlosi Jr., Bordentown Township Fire District 1.
“Bordentown Township Fire District 2 is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a Federal Emergency Management Association-Assistance to Firefighters Grant to create a standardized SCBA platform between the Bordentown and Chesterfield communities and improve firefighter safety. Grant assistance enable Fire District #2 to improve services and equipment with minimal impact to the taxpayer. Congressman Kim has routinely endorsed grant applications submitted by Fire District #2. The Board of Fire Commissioners and staff once again thank Congressman Andy Kim for his personal support for Fire District 2 and the residents and visitors to Bordentown Township,” said Chief Robert L. MacFarland, Bordentown Township Fire District 2.
“On behalf of the Board of Fire Commissioners I would like to thank Congressman Andy Kim and his office for their support in securing the Assistance to Firefighters Grant funding to replace 19 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). The funds are of vital importance to our Fire District as our SCBA’s are aging and a large portion of our inventory of SCBA bottles is set to reach the end of their service life next year. Receiving Federal funding to replace our inventory will result in direct savings to our residents while equipping our firefighters with the latest technology, ensuring their safety for years to come,” said Chief Ryan J. Lynch, Chesterfield Fire District 1.
