NEWARK, N.J. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) visited the Borough of Clayton’s fire department in Gloucester County to announce a $715,000 congressionally directed spending (CDS) award to purchase a new ladder truck. This funding was secured by Senators Booker and Robert Menendez (D-NJ). In addition to the CDS grant announcement, Senator Booker congratulated the Clayton Fire Company for being awarded Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants this year. These are two FEMA grant programs that are designed to provide additional funding assistance to fire departments.
Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. Specifically, New Jersey received $9.9 million in AFG grant funding in 2022; Clayton has received a $946,000.
SAFER is a grant program geared toward assisting fire departments with personnel costs like increasing and maintaining the number of trained, front-line firefighters. New Jersey received $11.6 million in SAFER grant funding in 2022; $69,000.
“Throughout the country and here in New Jersey, fire and emergency medical services departments are experiencing critical staffing and resource shortages—this situation is even more acute for smaller communities like Clayton,” said Senator Booker. “Federal grant funding from CDS, AFG, and SAFER all provide needed resources for personnel and equipment that helps protect lives and makes communities safer. I’m proud of my work to secure federal funding for Clayton and many other fire departments across New Jersey and will continue fighting for these resources.”
“I’m proud to have worked with Sen. Booker to deliver the funds being announced today to purchase a new firetruck, equipped with a ladder, for the Clayton Volunteer Fire Company that will bolster and support the services provided every day,” said Senator Menendez. “Together, we fought to ensure this community received federal dollars through the Congressionally Directed Spending process, providing the valiant firemen and firewomen of Clayton the hardware necessary to continue serving their community.”
“Thank you to Senator Booker for visiting Clayton and always remembering the needs of small towns like ours,” said Clayton Mayor Tom Bianco. “We appreciate Senator Booker and Senator Menendez’s support with this CDS award that will greatly benefit our community.”
Throughout his time in the Senate, Senator Booker has fought to secure funding for the state of New Jersey’s fire departments. Earlier this year, Booker provided letters supporting 37 AFG grant applications; FEMA provides awards on a rolling basis, and seven applications have been awarded so far. Additionally, Booker provided 14 letters of support for SAFER grant applications this year. Booker also led a letter from the entire N.J. delegation to FEMA in support of the New Jersey Fire and Emergency Medical Services Institute’s SAFER application to establish a statewide recruitment and retention program for volunteer firefighters.
Today’s visit to the Clayton Fire Company was part of Booker’s 2023 Jersey Summer Road Trip, a series of stops highlighting New Jersey’s 21 counties and the incredible progress that the state is making. The road trip will focus on Booker’s efforts to secure congressionally directed funding for critical projects in the state; his legislative priorities, including his work to address the opioid epidemic, counter the scourge of gun violence, and serve New Jersey veterans; and his support of local businesses and organizations.