Newark FD Gets Funding for 21 New Firefighters

The 600-strong Newark Fire Department will be hiring an additional 21 personnel with a grant announced Wednesday by federal lawmakers.

The $3.17 million grant was awarded through the SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) program. Two years ago, the department received a $7 million SAFER grant used to hire 70 personnel in a department that managed to avoid layoffs thanks to union concessions.

“Public safety is central to the success of any city and must be a top priority in Newark.  This federal funding will help the Newark Fire Department hire new firefighters and ensure a safer, more secure Brick City,” said Sen. Frank Lautenberg, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, which funds the SAFER grant program. 

“This funding is an absolute good for the City of Newark.  It will allow more firefighters to be hired, which will make the City of Newark safer for those who live and work here.  More people on the job means safer working conditions for Newark’s firefighters who stand at the ready to respond to any emergency,” said Sen. Robert Menendez. 

“I am so pleased to announce this much needed grant for the Newark Fire Department at a time when everyone is looking for ways to cut their budget,” said Rep. Donald Payne Jr, D-10.  “This critical funding will not only help hire back and train twenty-one front line firefighters, but it will ensure that the City of Newark is better protected from crises and disaster.”   

The SAFER grant program provides funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter organizations in order to help them increase the number of trained “front line” firefighters in their communities.