Cinnaminson FD Wins $200K Grant for New Equipment

Cinnaminson Fire Department scored $206,340 in federal funding that will allow the department to purchase updated breathing equipment for firefighters.

Fire Commissioner Rich Dietrich called the grant “thrilling” for the department. With the funding expected to come through soon, plans are underway to purchase the equipment.

“This could not have come at a better time. We started replacing some outdated units last year and planned on partially funding this program over a number of years," said Robert Steel, chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners. "This grant will allow us to replace units that are well over a decade old, while having no impact on our taxpayers.”

Chief Bill Kramer called the equipment—self-contained breathing aparatus—a "lifeline" for firefighters. 

“We will be replacing approximately 26 units, 45 face pieces, two specialized units used in the extrication of trapped or injured firefighters, and a tracking system that will allow the incident commander to monitor the air supply of every unit that is in service on the fire ground," Kramer said in a statement. "This grant will allow the department to purchase units that are compatible with the other fire departments in the area, thereby allowing for better integration on major emergencies.

U.S. Senators Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) announced the grant in a joint press release. Cinnaminson is just one of two New Jersey towns to receive the grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. Elizabeth Fire Department received a $64,000 grant.

“When the alarm sounds, firefighters must be ready to roll. These federal resources will help ensure New Jersey firefighters are sufficiently trained and equipped to handle emergencies safely and effectively,” Lautenberg said in a statement.

Lautenberg is vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, which funds Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.

Cinnaminson Fire Department will put down an additional 5 percent of the grant funding to purchase the units, per the grant guidelines. The department included that cost into its annual budget, Dietrich said. Each unit costs $6,900. 

“Tough budget times call for tough cuts and tough decisions, but one thing we must continue to fund without question are investments in training, equipment and heath programs for our first responders,” Menendez said in a statement. “New Jersey firefighters put their lives on the line every time they answer a call to protect our families and our communities. It’s our responsibility to make sure they have all the resources they need to carry out their job safely.”

Reminder: Fire district elections are scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 18. Get all of the details on the proposed budget and the commissioners up for election. 

Editor's note: This story was updated at 12:25 p.m., Feb. 17 with additional information and quotes from the fire department. This version also corrects the percentage the Cinnaminson Fire Department must contribute toward the equipment purchase.