Washington, Jan 13 - Congressman Chris Smith today announced that a federal grant has been awarded to the Freehold Fire Department by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

“Members of the Freehold Fire Department have a long history of protecting the borough,” Smith said. “This grant of $123,975 will help the department purchase much-needed breathing equipment for its members.”

The department is comprised of four consolidated companies with a total of 95 volunteers, headquartered at the 136-year-old fire house on West Main Street in the borough. The grant will help purchase about 30 sets of self-contained breathing apparatus.

Smith voted to create the grant program in 2000 and is a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus.

DHS’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program is an important component of the Congress’ larger, coordinated effort to strengthen the Nation’s overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and fire related hazards. In recent years, AFG has provided over $2.7 billion to first-responder organizations to purchase response equipment, personal protective equipment and vehicles.

“The program was created to get federal assistance directly in the hands of our local fire departments and first aid squads,” Smith said. “They are our first responders to fires and we need to assist them in their ability to protect the safety of both the public and firefighters. We are indebted to our volunteers and their family members for the sacrifices they make for our safety. The federal government has a key role in helping to ensure they have the best equipment possible.”

Using a competitive process overseen by fire service subject matter experts, AFG grants are awarded to applicants whose requests best address the priorities of the AFG program.

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