Robert Menendez

Menendez, Sires Deliver $5.5 Million to Strengthen Public Safety Throughout North Hudson Communities

Guttenberg, North Bergen, Weehawken, West New York, Union City to Benefit

September 10, 2012

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Congressman Albio Sires joined Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) representatives, Fire Chief Frank Montagne and local elected leaders from five North Hudson municipalities at the North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue House to announce $5.5 million in federal funding to hire 32 full-time fire fighters. Awarded through FEMA’s Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant program, this significant investment will help strengthen the regional fire department’s ability to effectively respond to local fire emergencies, protect high-risk populations and decrease fire fighter injuries.  

“I am incredibly pleased and proud that with today’s announcement, we will be able to put 32 full-time firefighters on the job, protecting our neighborhoods,” said Senator Menendez.  “Public safety is job one and this is a critical investment in our ongoing fight to strengthen our communities, protect our families and support our first responders.”   

“I am pleased to have worked closely with Senator Menendez in assisting the North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue Department in obtaining a SAFER( Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) Grant of $5,516,736 which will allow for the hiring of 32 firefighters,” said Congressman Sires. “This grant will help in providing our emergency responders with the necessary tools to effectively combat fires and keep our communities safe.”

North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue (NHR) will receive a $5,516,736 Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant to hire 32 full time fire fighters. NHR is New Jersey’s only regionalized fire dept and serves the following municipalities: Guttenberg, North Bergen, Weehawken, West New York and Union City.  Its 12.5 sq-mile primary service area is the nation’s most densely-populated.

According to the Department, manpower has been significantly reduced from 314 in 2008 to 245 today, forcing closure of companies and  increased overtime.  
NHR is the first responder to some of the nation’s most critical infrastructure: Lincoln Tunnel, Amtrak and NJ Transit Train Tunnels, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail tunnel, Hudson River, ferries and the turnpike. NHR was the first fire company to respond to the US Air crash in the Hudson River and provided command/support in NJ during the exodus from Manhattan on 9-11.

Senator Menendez has led the fight in the Senate for increases in federal funding for our first responders. He has specially advocated on behalf of AFG to ensure fire departments have the tools and resources they need to effectively protect the health and safety of the public and their own emergency responses personnel with respect to fire and all other hazards. Since 2002, North Hudson has received a total of $1,588,165 through the AFG program.

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