West Orange Fire Department Will Buy Crucial Gear With FEMA Funds

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange Fire Department recently announced that it has been awarded an Assistance to Firefighters Grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The grant award totals $16,581, with an additional $1,658 match from the Township of West Orange, bringing the total funding to $18,239.

Although the full amount requested was not awarded, the grant will provide the West Orange Fire Department with critical personal protective equipment, including Self Contained Breathing Apparatus bottles and Rapid Intervention Team packs, “significantly enhancing the safety of both firefighters and the community,” according to a news release from the township.

The purpose of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is to protect the health and safety of the public and firefighting personnel against fire and fire-related hazards. After conducting a review process, FEMA determined that the West Orange Fire Department’s application aligned with the program’s mission and was eligible for funding.

West Orange Fire Chief Anthony Vecchio said the department is grateful for the award.

“These funds will allow us to strengthen firefighter safety and readiness while providing the highest level of service to the residents of West Orange,” Vecchio said.

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