The City of Hoboken and the Hoboken Department of Public Safety announce the Hoboken Fire Department has been awarded more than $64,000 in funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP).
The AFGP is meant to protect the health and safety of the public and firefighting personnel against fire and fire-related hazards. The Hoboken Fire Department will use the federal funds toward firefighter training, including academy tuition for new hires, and new equipment, including 12 sets of turnout gear.
"I'm grateful for this federal support which will help our dedicated firefighters do their jobs even more safely and effectively,” said Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla. “Their safety, and that of all our residents, is and always will be a top priority, and I appreciate any funding that supports those who put their lives on the line to keep us safe.”
“This money will only further boost public safety, strengthen Hoboken’s emergency preparedness, and enable our firefighters to even better serve our community” said Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante. “The Hoboken Fire Department deserves all the support and resources they need, and this grant money will help assist them with lifesaving training, and important equipment to continue to keep our city and residents safe.”
“I am proud of the firefighters who applied for and were once again awarded this federal funding which will offset expenses, allowing our department to allocate budget money to other critical needs,” said Fire Chief Anton Peskens. “The training and specialized equipment our team will receive with the FEMA funding, will continue to ensure they have what they need to keep Hoboken safe.”
The Hoboken Fire Department responds to over 5,000 emergencies a year and participates in regional response initiatives including the New Jersey Regional Fireboat Task Force for marine emergencies, and the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) for technical rescues. The Hoboken Fire Prevention Bureau includes a fire marshal and fire inspector who enforce fire codes, educate the public about fire safety, engineer solutions to mitigate emergencies, and investigate the origins and causes of fires.
The HFD recently announced applications to join the department are available through Sept. 3, 2024. For more information on the Hoboken Fire Department, including how to become a Hoboken Firefighter, go to https://www.hobokennj.gov/departments/hoboken-fire-department.
