By Sunayana Prabhu
MONMOUTH BEACH – The lifeline for Monmouth Beach’s firefighters – more than 5,000 feet of aging fire hoses – will soon be replaced, ensuring quicker and safer responses in emergencies. U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-6) secured the critical funding for the upgrade.
In a press statement Aug. 19, Pallone announced $55,581 in federal funding for the borough. The funds, provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program, will be used to replace over 5,000 feet of fire hose for the Monmouth Beach Fire Department.
“I am pleased that Monmouth Beach was awarded a grant for fire hose replacement,” Pallone said in the release. “The safety of our residents when faced with emergencies is inextricably connected to the tools our first responders have available to address them.”
Monmouth Beach Mayor David Stickle said the necessary funds will replace all the fire hoses on the department two trucks. “This critical funding will help us replace all the fire hoses on our two trucks to ensure our brave firefighters have the necessary equipment to save lives,” Stickle said in the release.
Monmouth Beach Fire Chief Timothy P. Griffin echoed the sentiment, noting the importance of the new equipment in emergency situations. “By replacing our deteriorating equipment with a high-quality fire hose product, we will effectively save the lives of residents who face fire emergencies,” Griffin said.
The AFG program, managed by FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security, aims to enhance the nation’s ability to respond to emergencies. Since its inception in 2001, the program has provided approximately $8.4 billion in grants to fire departments and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organizations across the country. These grants are crucial for improving the safety and effectiveness of first responders by ensuring they have the necessary equipment to protect both the public and themselves during emergencies.
The article originally appeared in the August 22 – 28, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
