WOODBRIDGE TOWNSHIP, NJ – Congressman Leonard Lance (NJ-07) today announced that two Woodbridge Township communities will each receive grant funds from the U.S. Homeland Security Department to purchase safety equipment for their departments. Woodbridge Township Mayor John McCormac, community leaders and local fire officials joined Lance in making the announcement.
The Colonia Volunteer Fire Department will receive a $30,410 grant and the Iselin Volunteer Fire Department will receive $12,825 federal security grant.
In Colonia, the funds will help underwrite the cost of purchasing installing laptop computers in first response vehicles. This will allow first responders to access up data on hydrant locations, building schematics, pipe line locations, water locations and vehicle information. In the case of hybrid vehicles there are certain access points and wiring information vital to car fires.
In Iselin, the funds will underwrite modern pagers that will replace aging communications equipment. New pagers will allow fire fighters to integrate with an upgraded radio frequency and also allow them to receive data via pager at a much greater distance.
“Our volunteer firefighters work around the clock to keep our communities safe and secure,” said Lance. “Installing lap tops in Colonia’s first response vehicles will no doubt help first responders harness technology to better serve the community. Updating the pagers of Iselin’s volunteer firefighters will allow the hard working firefighters to greatly improve response times and help our citizens in need.”
“Volunteer fire fighters dedicate their lives to help others and it’s critical they have the right equipment to carry out their important jobs in public safety,” said Woodbridge Township Mayor John McCormac. “We appreciate Congressman Lance for assisting our first responders and we know these important safety upgrades will translate to enhanced public safety and improved public service for the communities of Colonia and Iselin.”
“Our volunteer fire fighters receive their emergency call via an old, outdated pager,” said John Trela, the Iselin volunteer firefighter who applied for the grants funds. “Overall the new pagers will mean improved response times and allow our volunteer firefighters to better assist the community.”
Last year, Lance held a workshop to educate Seventh District first responders regarding the availability of federal security grants and he regularly assists local officials in applying for those funds. This month, Lance’s first responders grant workshop will take place from 6-8 p.m., Friday, March 19 at Raritan Valley Community College in North Branch.
Lance’s workshop is free, but registration is requested. To register or for additional information please call Brad Myhre in Lance’s office at 908-788-6900.
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