Bayonne Fire Department receives $295K grant from federal government

BAYONNE – The Bayonne Fire Department has received a grant award of nearly $300,000 that will fund critical safety gear for city firefighters, it was announced on July 3.
The $295,000 grant from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency was announced by U.S. Representative Albio Sires.
The program provides grants to qualified agencies to strengthen their overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards.
“I congratulate the Bayonne Fire Department for receiving this competitive grant,” said Congressman Sires. “With these funds, the city of Bayonne can provide our emergency responders with the tools to keep themselves and the community safe.”
The grant will give the fire department the monies necessary to purchase 80 sets of critical safety gear firefighters need to perform high-angle rescues and traverse the complex environments they work in. The grant will also supply the critical turnout gear firefighters use to respond to calls, including fire suppression, hazardous materials, extrications, technical rescue, marine, and collapse rescues.
“Our protective turnout gear — coats, pants, boots and helmets — has aged, undergone numerous repairs over the years, and was further assaulted by contaminates during Superstorm Sandy, ” said Bayonne Fire Chief Gregory Rogers. “We are very excited about his award because the new protective gear will serve to provide the high level of protection and safety that our firefighters deserve and need.”
In addition to the turnout gear, high-angle rescue training will be provided and equipment will be issued to bolster Bayonne’s rescue teams’ ability to function effectively at emergencies at elevation, Chief Rogers said.
“As I said at my inaugural ceremony, Congressman Sires is no stranger when it comes to helping Bayonne,” said Mayor Jimmy Davis. “Securing this grant to provide critical equipment to our fire department is just the latest example of how hard Congressman Sires fights for our community.”