Congressman Mike Ferguson

Westfield

• The Westfield Fire Department received a $133,920 first-responder grant from the Homeland Security Department to purchase new fire-safety equipment.

• The Westfield Fire Department received a $68,027 grant from the Homeland Security Department to purchase two emergency generators – one for each of Westfield’s two firehouses. Each generator would be specially equipped to ensure the firehouse can continue to operate during long-term power outages.

• Congressman Ferguson selected Emily and Kate Warren, seniors at Westfield High School, for the Congressional Service Medals. The students were awarded medals for their outstanding achievements in volunteer public service. Emily and Kate are the twin daughters of Peter and Kathy Warren of Westfield.

• Congressman Ferguson voted to provide Westfield public schools with more than $361,000 in federal elementary and secondary education aid in fiscal year 2007. Congressman Ferguson has voted to increase federal education funding for New Jersey schools by more than 33 percent since 2001.

• Congressman Ferguson nominated Donald Turlington of Westfield and Daniel McGrory of Westfield to the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y.

• Congressman Ferguson announced his support of legislation to crack down on interstate gun trafficking during a news conference at the Westfield Police Department. The majority of guns used in crimes in the state illegally cross New Jersey’s borders. The legislation would create a new federal offense for criminals who use stolen firearms with concealed serial numbers during the commission of a felony. Such alterations are common practice of gun traffickers.

• Congressman Ferguson secured approval of $100,000 for needed upgrades at the YMCA in Westfield.

• Congressman Ferguson presented Peter Saliola of Westfield with seven military medals Saliola earned but never received for his service in World War II. Saliola’s wife, Frances, contacted Congressman Ferguson about securing the medals for her husband after reading in a newspaper about another veteran who received medals. Congressman Ferguson presented the medals, along with a U.S. flag flown above the Capitol, during a ceremony in the Saliolas’ home with their son, George, also of Westfield, and their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “Peter Saliola is a patriot and a hero, and I’m honored to present him with these medals on behalf of a grateful nation,” Congressman Ferguson said.