Local New Jersey fire departments can apply for federal grant funding to train more “front line” firefighters beginning on Monday, March 26, Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) has announced.

    The grant program is the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program, which will provide $345 million in total grants for local fire departments and volunteer interest organizations around the country. The program is run by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

    Departments can use the grants to hire more firefighters, or retain and recruit more volunteer firefighters, to increase their response capabilities to fires and other emergencies in their communities.

    “I highly encourage local career and volunteer fire departments to consider applying for this SAFER grant program,” Rep. Smith stated. “I have seen first-hand the role this support can play in increasing the effectiveness of our first response teams, which are so vital to the well-being and safety of our communities. The men and women who serve our communities deserve all the support they need.”

    The FY 2017 SAFER grant application period began on Monday, March 26 at 8 a.m. ET, and ends on Friday, April 27 at 5 p.m. ET. Interested organizations can find the guidance materials in applying for grants here. 

    This year’s FY 2017 grant program includes an important addition—more available funding for applicants under the category of “Hiring of Firefighter Activity,” for specialized training of first responders to properly recognize and intervene in emergency cases involving persons with mental illness.

    Local fire departments in Smith’s district have previously benefitted from this SAFER program, including the Trenton fire department which was awarded SAFER grants in fiscal years 2010, 2012 and 2014 which helped avoid layoffs for about 60 firefighters and the closure of four companies.

    In September of 2017, Middletown Township Fire Department also received a $136,675 grant through the SAFER program to help with the hiring of additional trained firefighters.