SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ – Congressman Leonard Lance (NJ-07) today announced that the Scotch Plains Fire Department received a $63,360 federal security grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to purchase new safety equipment.

Lance made the announcement at a news conference at the Scotch Plains Fire Department with Mayor Nancy Malool, members of the community and Scotch Plains fire officials. Lance said the federal grant funds would help underwrite the cost for purchasing new turnout gear for the department’s 32 member force.

“Scotch Plains fire fighters work hard day and night to keep our community safe,” said Lance. “State of the art, modern turnout gear with enhanced safety features will protect these brave men and women as they carry out their important jobs in public safety.”

Mayor Malool also said the grant funds will be of great benefit to the department.

“Our first responders work hard to keep our public safe and these important funds will ensure these brave first responders have the most modern protection available to protect them as carry out their important jobs,” said Malool. “We appreciate Congressman Lance’s support for our first responders and all that he does to help our community.”

Scotch Plains Fire Chief Jonathan Ellis said that the new gear, which includes boots, coats and pants, will provide additional safety features for the firefighters that their older, out of date suits do not provide. The new turnout gear will also be compliant with the National Fire Protection Standards by providing increased safety protections for the department’s firefighters.

Fire officials noted that the department responds to over 500 calls annually.

Last month, Lance held his annual workshop for Seventh Congressional District fire personnel and local town officials to learn about the availability of federal security funding and he regularly assists local officials in applying for the funds.
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