The city of Hoboken and the Hoboken Department of Public Safety announced recently that the Hoboken Fire Department was awarded more than $64,000 in funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP), the fire department said in a press release (PDF).
The AFGP is meant to protect the health and safety of the public and firefighting personnel against fire and fire-related hazards. The Hoboken Fire Department will use the federal funds toward firefighter training, including academy tuition for new hires, and new equipment, including 12 sets of turnout gear.
“I’m grateful for this federal support which will help our dedicated firefighters do their jobs even more safely and effectively,” said Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla. “Their safety, and that of all our residents, is and always will be a top priority, and I appreciate any funding that supports those who put their lives on the line to keep us safe.”
“This money will only further boost public safety, strengthen Hoboken’s emergency preparedness, and enable our firefighters to even better serve our community,” said Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante. “The Hoboken Fire Department deserves all the support and resources they need, and this grant money will help assist them with lifesaving training, and important equipment to continue to keep our city and residents safe.”
“I am proud of the firefighters who applied for and were once again awarded this federal funding which will offset expenses, allowing our department to allocate budget money to other critical needs,” said Fire Chief Anton Peskens. “The training and specialized equipment our team will receive with the FEMA funding, will continue to ensure they have what they need to keep Hoboken safe.”
