NJ Gov., Congressman Join Paramus Fire Dept. In Call For Firefighter Investment

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy joined a local congressman and several other elected leaders in Bergen County to push for more investment in firefighters, they said.

On Tuesday, the governor joined Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) in Paramus to call for the state to use $10 million from federal American Rescue Plan funds to secure reinvestment in a firefighter grant program created last year.

"Local fire departments don't always have the budget (they need), and that is why it is critical for the state and federal governments to step in and help out," Gov. Murphy said in a news conference at the Paramus fire station on West Midland Avenue.

Murphy said the proposed $10 million for the grant in this year's state budget would add to the same amount allocated to the program last year, and that the all of the funds distributed help pay for "life-saving" gear and equipment, and the like.

"Protecting the residents of New Jersey is probably my most sacred duty as governor," Murphy said, "and a critical part of that means protecting our protectors by ensuring they are well-equipped to be as safe as possible when rushing into harm's way."

Firefighters from across Bergen County received more than $1 million through the grant program last year, he said, and much of that, in fact, went toward replacing safety gear and equipment — such as self-contained breathing apparatuses, and helmets, jackets, boots and gloves.

Specifically in Paramus, the governor added, the local fire department received $43,000 alone to replace their "worn-out hoods that were well past their usable lives" with new particulate-blocking hoods that reduce exposure to carcinogens.

"I am happy to report that the (Paramus firefighters') new hoods are an upgrade, providing significantly more protection," he said.

He had joined Congressman Gottheimer last year in announcing the creation of the American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grant, which has since benefited nearly 300 departments throughout the Garden State.

Not only does the program provide life-saving equipment, he and Gottheimer said, but it helps to lower the local property tax burden.

"When it comes to our first responders, we know that we have to invest to protect. That is why we are here today, standing together," said the congressman, who was joined also by other state and local officials, Paramus Fire Chief Vincent Torre and a number of New Jersey firefighter associations.

“These are dollars that don’t have to come out of town budgets. These are our tax dollars that are actually coming back from the federal government to help our families and communities here in Jersey."

Gov. Murphy said the program prioritizes departments that had been "hit hardest" by the coronavirus pandemic, and that his administration would do whatever possible to support first responders who continued to work hard even amid the crisis.

"Our firefighters and first responders are extraordinary in their courage, dedication and service during our darkest hours," he said. "We want (them) to feel confident that they are equipped to be as safe as possible when heading into the unknown."