Pallone Helps Secure Federal Funding for Regional Firefighter Taskforce

ASBURY PARK, LONG BRANCH, & WALL, NJ -- Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today announced he has helped secure $154,530 in federal funding for the City of Asbury Park Fire Department, the City of Long Branch Fire Department, and Wall Township Fire District #3. The funding was made possible through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) Program and will be used to train approximately 48 firefighters among the three participating fire departments as part of a joint response task force to respond to confined space emergencies throughout the region.

"This grant is great news for Monmouth County," said Congressman Pallone. "In 2022, a constituent of mine tragically died in a workplace accident after he descended a 20-foot manhole and was overwhelmed by toxic gases at the bottom. Funding like this makes all the difference. That's why I'll continue to help bring federal funding to New Jersey to support and train our community heroes."

"Our firefighters are among the best trained and capable people you will find anywhere and a fire department is only as good as the people that respond day in and day out and do the work. An investment in training is an investment in public safety. The city and our fire department have directly benefited from the AFG program since its inception, and we hope to see the program continue and thank Congressman Pallone for all he has done," said Asbury Park Mayor John B. Moor.

"We thank Congressman Pallone for securing this funding to help the City of Long Branch support the men and women in our Fire Department. This training will help keep them safe as they risk their lives to protect all of us," said Long Branch Mayor John Pallone.

The AFG program is part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Department of Homeland Security and is part of a coordinated effort to improve the nation's ability to respond to emergency situations. AFG awards grants directly to fire departments and Emergency Medical Services organizations (EMS) that are unaffiliated with a hospital to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first responder personnel. Since its implementation in 2001, the AFG program has provided approximately $8.4 billion to fire departments and EMS organizations across the country.