Kean Delivers $500,000 in Federal Grants to Support Local Fire Departments

(December 16, 2025) LEBANON BOROUGH, NJ - Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) announced that $510,531 in federal grant funding will be delivered to six fire departments in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District to support their public safety missions. The funding was provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Fiscal Year 2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program.

Congressman Kean played a key role in securing these funds for local fire departments. In February 2024, he hosted a webinar to explain the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program and assist departments in navigating the application process. Congressman Kean also submitted letters of support for fire departments that requested assistance.

The funding was made possible through Congressman Kean's legislation, the Fire Grants and Safety Act, which provided critical federal resources to support many fire departments across New Jersey and over 1,000 other departments nationwide. His bill, which was signed into law in July 2024, reauthorized for five years the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program, the Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant Program, and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program.

"I am thrilled to announce that we brought home over $500,000 in federal dollars to support six fire departments in New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District," said Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. "Every day, our firefighters put their lives on the line to protect our families and neighbors, and these grants will help departments purchase essential equipment, enhance training, and strengthen readiness to keep communities safe. I remain committed to supporting our first responders and I encourage other departments in the district to apply for these grants. My office stands ready to assist throughout the process."

"We are grateful for this $75,000 AFG grant and for Congressman Kean's support in securing these funds for Summit," said Summit Mayor Elizabeth Fagan, M.D. "This grant directly benefits our residents by giving our firefighters the tools and training they need to respond quickly and safely in any emergency. Investing in our fire department is investing in the safety and well-being of the entire Summit community."

"With this AFG grant, we are looking to purchase between 15-18 sets of turnout gear, boots, helmets, gloves, and cancer reducing hoods. We thank the Congressman for advocating for us and the district," said Clinton Fire Department Chief Jeff Hedden.

"This grant is a game-changer for our department," said Greg Bunting, Chief of the Delaware Township Fire Company. "Our firefighters rely on dependable communications when responding to emergencies. These new radios will not only improve our operational efficiency but will also help keep our members and residents safe."

"I am honored to announce that the Westfield Fire Department has been awarded $45,818 from the FY2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program," said Westfield Fire Chief Michael Duelks. "The funding will be utilized to assist the department in purchasing additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for our personnel."

"These federal grants are very important to small towns like Pohatcong. Our budgets are extremely tight as it is and these federal grants provide the funding needed to our first responders to things possibly outside our current budgets," said Pohatcong Mayor David Slack.

The full list of AFG grant awardees is as follows:

• Township of Pohatcong Fire Department - $68,571
• Town of Westfield Town Hall - $45,818
• Delaware Township Fire Company (f.k.a Sergeantsville Volunteer Fire Co) - $242,857
• Kingwood Township Volunteer Fire Co No 1 - $4,000
• Town of Clinton Fire Department - $74,285
• City of Summit - $75,000