Chester Gets $244K Grant To Upgrade Firefighter Equipment

CHESTER, NJ — Chester Township is set to boost its emergency response capabilities with a brand-new grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The funding allows for the purchase of a new ambulance and essential life-saving equipment, boosting the township’s emergency services and providing first responders with the tools needed for rapid and effective response, officials said.

Chester Township has been awarded $244,761 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

This funding supports the health and safety of the public by enhancing the capabilities of the Chester Volunteer Fire Company and Chester First Aid Squad in responding to fire and fire-related emergencies.

Since its inception in 2001, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program has been instrumental in equipping firefighters and first responders with essential tools.

Township officials have confirmed that the entire grant amount will be used to purchase a new ambulance equipped with bench seating and a stretcher.

As a condition of the grant award, the Township and Borough will contribute a combined five percent match, totaling $12,238.10, to cover the full purchase price of the ambulance. The Township will provide 82 percent of this matching amount, while the Borough will contribute 18 percent. This brings the total funding to $257,000.

"This is a big win for the taxpayers of Chester Township and Chester Borough," Mayor Tim Drag said. "Through the efforts of our CFO, Derek Macchia, and the dedicated volunteers of the Chester First Aid Squad (CFAS), we are able to deliver almost a quarter million dollars in grant money to our community."

Dragg added that the fire department, in collaboration with the first aid squad, hopes to purchase the ambulance as soon as possible and integrate it into their emergency service arsenal.

"With this grant, CFAS will have the tools to continue providing high quality emergency services with the most advanced equipment available," Dragg said.

The Chester Volunteer First Aid Squad was established in 1945 as a branch of the Chester Volunteer Fire Company. In 1987, it became an independent entity known as the Chester First Aid Squad Inc. Starting from financial ground zero, the newly independent squad received a $65,000 ambulance donation from the Chester Lions Club, and membership was opened to all Chester residents.