Pascrell Secures $965K for Bergen County Firefighters

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Upgrades are coming to fire stations in Cliffside Park and Rutherford, thanks to a $965,000 grant from the Department of Homeland Security. The funds, secured by Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., will be used to fund a state-of-the-art firetruck for the Cliffside Park Fire Department and updated communication equipment in Rutherford.

Pascrell, co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, worked closely with DHS to secure these Assistance Firefighters Grant program awards.

"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."

Of the total award, Cliffside Park will receive $727,272 while Rutherford will get $238,095. This comes at a time when both fire departments are in urgent need of updated equipment.

In a letter to the DHS, Pascrell said Cliffside Park’s new firetruck will replace the department's current 34-year-old truck that emits dangerous fumes, causing dizzy spells and headaches. The truck also lacks seatbelts.

Additionally, the new communication system Rutherford will receive is replacing old radio equipment that experiences malfunctions on a daily basis. Without federal funding, Pascrell said these upgrades would not be possible.

“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 residents of Cliffside Park for many years to come,” said Cliffside Park Mayor Thomas Calabrese.

Annual funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant 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.

"Firefighting is a dangerous and noble profession," Pascrell said. "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.”