In the Press...
Trentonian article:$14M Grant staves off layoffs at Trenton Fire Department
By Scott Ketterer, The Trentonian Staff
TRENTON - Trenton firefighters slated for layoffs can breathe a sigh of relief thanks to a $14 million grant. A total of 59 firefighters were issued layoff notices that would have been effective in September, but this grant saves those jobs. The grant was obtained through the help of Congressman Chris Smith. “This grant is first and foremost about public safety and about firefighters whose life-saving jobs are slated for elimination,” Smith said in an e-mailed statement. “Trenton is the historic capital of New Jersey and this grant helps protect the many thousands of people who live, work and visit the city. Of course, it’s also good news for the firefighters personally and their families who have been facing a bleak summer if the lay-offs had gone through as planned.” The total for the SAFER grant over a two-year period is $14,076,912. The award, according to the release, directs about $13,204,000 to retain 59 active firefighters slated to be laid off and $872,900 for the hiring of five entry level firefighters. The release said the five new positions are expected to offset the expected retirement of some active members. Further, according to the release issued by Smith’s office, he has assisted in helping Trenton Firefighters to obtain $42,576,950 in grants, and helped to prevent the City from laying off almost one-third the department.
The proposed layoff plan would have closed four companies, phasing out the city’s rescue and haz-mat teams, the release said. The effects would also be felt in the ranks of the department with demotions of two battalion chiefs to captains, 18 captains to privates and the elimination of 59 privates, the release indicated. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER). It is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration. The release said that SAFER grants provide assistance to fire departments to help provide communities with adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards. The SAFER program supports several critical activities, such as the rehiring of laid-off firefighters, the retention of firefighters facing layoffs, the hiring of new firefighters, and recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters. Grants are used to pay the salaries and benefits of firefighters hired with grant funds over the two-year award performance period. |