Point Pleasant – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have offered funding opportunities for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). The purpose of the AFG grant is to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards by providing direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments, non-affiliated EMS organizations and State Fire Training Academies. The funds, if awarded, will be used for critically needed resources, including for example, equipment, training of emergency personnel, enhancing operational efficiency and supporting community resilience.
In December of 2015, Councilwoman Pamela Snyder and Councilman Michael Thulen brought to the Borough’s attention the availability of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). According to Councilwoman Snyder, “If we are awarded this grant, it would be a huge benefit to the Borough not only in the area of safety, but also financially.” According to the Councilwoman, the amount the Borough has requested is more than $500,000.00 and, if awarded, the Borough would only be responsible to match 5 percent of the total award.
“The fire department relies on the municipality for funding to obtain new equipment, that coupled with the restraints of the 2 percent tax cap, it is our duty as elected officials to go out and aggressively try to get as much grant money as possible to enable Point Pleasant’s Bravest to be able to carry out their mission,” Councilwoman Snyder said.
Councilman Thulen added that some of the equipment the Borough is requesting in the grant include an engine/pumper to replace one of the current ageing ones and a new fire boat to replace the current one that is constantly under repair. Additionally, we have asked for communications equipment.
“We can’t just rely on tax dollars, we have to do our part as elected officials to help all of our departments gain as much grant money as possible,” Councilman Thulen said. “This is important because we want to keep the high levels of service the people of Point Pleasant have come to expect, but we want to keep them at a reasonable cost, hence the grants.”
Borough Administrator Frank Pannucci also thanked Fire Chief Willever and his staff, including Mitch Remig from Fire Station 75 for all their hard work in helping put this grant application package together.
“Putting a grant request together oftentimes is a difficult thing, but when you work as a team to get it done, it makes the process much smoother,” Mr. Pannucci said. “I thank our Mayor and Council for constantly being on the lookout for these opportunities and the cooperation of the Fire Department in accomplishing this. I truly hope we get approved.”