Somerset Times

Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) celebrated the signing of the Fire Grants and Safety Act into law. This legislation incorporates language from H.R. 4090, a bill championed by Congressman Kean through the House of Representatives. President Biden signed the act into law on July 9, 2024.

The Fire Grants and Safety Act provides a five-year reauthorization for the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), the Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) Program, and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant (SAFER) Program.

In attendance at the event were Christopher Weber, Springfield Township Mayor; Michael Mastroeni, Acting Chief of the Springfield Fire Department; Ed Donnelly, President of the New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association; David Bialas, PFANJ Representative and President of the Elizabeth Fire Officers Association IAFF Local 2040; as well as local firefighters and emergency personnel.

“It is an honor to stand with local firefighters, first responders and elected officials to celebrate the Fire Grants and Safety Act becoming law,” said Congressman Kean. “I wrote this legislation to deliver enhanced resources for training, recruitment and retention of firefighters, better equipment, and improved emergency response capabilities. We are building stronger, safer communities for New Jersey families and families across the nation. I feel that it is our basic duty as leaders to ensure that first responders have the resources and support they need to do their job.”

"As a nation, one thing we should always be able to agree upon is protecting our communities,” said David Bialas. “Our PFANJ and IAFF brothers and sisters have spent countless hours over the past year in the offices of Congressional Delegations in all 50 states lobbying to move this bill forward and it was New Jersey that led the way with Congressman Tom Kean Jr., always pushing to get this bill closer and closer to becoming law. This week, IAFF General President Kelly lauded the leadership and bipartisan efforts of both Congressman Kean who introduced and sponsored the bill in the House, and Congressman Bill Pascrell who served as one of the co-sponsors. We are extremely fortunate to have the Congressional Delegation we have in New Jersey to set an example for public safety."

“Congressman Kean was a supporter of firefighters during his tenure in the New Jersey State Legislature and has been a breath of fresh air in Washington D.C., cutting through partisan gridlock to deliver solid legislation in a bipartisan way,” said Ed Donnelly. “The Fire Grants and Safety Act will unequivocally save lives. Reauthorizing these funds will allow for safer manning levels and provide much-needed equipment in New Jersey. This means our firefighters, along with their communities are safer. We applaud Congressman Kean for rolling up his sleeves and getting this legislation done."

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