The City of Summit Fire Department has been awarded $40,000 for turnout gear through the American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grant Program from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ (DCA) Division of Local Government Services.
A total of $20 million in grant funding was awarded on March 5, 2024, to fire departments from all 21 New Jersey counties. The funds will be used to help cover costs associated with the purchases of protective items such as turnout clothing, advanced cleaning equipment, oxygen equipment, and personal protective equipment. The City of Summit Common Council approved the Summit Fire Department’s grant application at the December 5, 2023, meeting.
“We are very grateful for these funds that will be used to purchase new protective turnout gear for our firefighters,” says City of Summit Fire Chief Eric Evers. “This important equipment is expensive and needs to be replaced every so often after years of heavy use. Safe clothing and gear help to protect our firefighters’ physical and mental health while they work to protect our community.”
A list of recipients and more information on the grant program is available on the New Jersey DCA website.