The Watchung Volunteer Fire Dept received notification Friday December 21, 2007 that they were awarded Assistance to Firefighters Grant from the Department of Homeland Security in the amount of $50,600. This is the third Grant the Watchung Volunteer Fire Dept has received this year.
The First Grant received is a joint effort with North Plainfield and Greenbrook Township. That grant is currently being used to conduct a study looking into the feasibility of sharing services and reducing costs to taxpayers where possible, while ultimately increasing safety.
The Second grant the department received was from Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company that gave the department two much needed thermal imaging cameras. These cameras help find hidden fire and trapped occupants. This most recent grant will provide the department with Firefighter turnout gear, thermal imaging cameras, and training.
In total the Watchung Fire Dept has obtained over $136,000 through grants this year. These grants have been obtained through the hard work of the volunteer firefighters, another example of the dedication and devotion of the volunteer firefighters in Watchung. Fire Chief Jimmy DiPaolo stated, “We are committed to obtaining the best equipment possible for our firefighters to do their job; this equipment in turn increases the protection of life and property that the residents deserve.”
The firefighters would like to thank the community for their support over the years. Through the generosity of our residents during our annual find drive the Watchung Fire Dept was able to fund the $26,000 needed to purchase hydraulic rescue tools. This money is in addition to fund obtained through grant efforts this year.
These tools will be used rescue trapped firefighters as well as perform vehicle extrications. The department plans to continue seeking alternative funding through grants in order to keep the burden on taxpayers as low as possible.
|
House Fire 455 Johnston Drive, 02/04/2008
|
