Congressman Chris Smith (R-Hamilton) today announced that the Trenton Fire Department has received a $159,600 grant from the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

    The funds, distributed through FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) program, help local fire departments throughout the nation enhance their ability to respond to emergencies in their communities, as well as potential terror attacks.

    “With the anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks fast approaching, it is appropriate that our government awards this next round of AFG grants which total more than $150 million throughout the nation,” Smith said.

    “Each and every day of the year, our fire fighters and emergency responders work to keep our communities safe and secure.  This federal money will enable Trenton’s bravest to continue to effectively serve our capital city and be prepared to respond to any future terror attacks,” he added.

    As the dean of New Jersey’s 15 member Congressional Delegation, Smith has worked with his colleagues to steer critical homeland security dollars to the state.  In Fiscal Year 2003 alone, New Jersey, state agencies and authorities, and companies have received more than $80 million in federal homeland security aid.