By Chief Joseph V. Palumbo, Sr., Pennsauken Township Fire Department

I am proud to announce to our residents that the 2015 Assistance to Firefighters Grant application submitted by the Pennsauken, Collingswood and Camden Fire Departments has been awarded in the first round of 2015 presentations.

The overall award to the three municipalities totals $1,538,758.00 for the complete replacement of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) worn by firefighters in all three departments.

The largest share of the awarded funding, $857,304.00, is for the Pennsauken Fire Department for the replacement of all of SCBA devices, to include a spare breathing air cylinder and a personal face mask for each firefighter in the department. The breathing apparatus we will be replacing was purchased 15 years ago. We will be afforded the most technologically advanced and fully compliant respiratory protection available.

This project was completed by the efforts of a working group from all three departments. Our representative on the working group was Firefighter Justin Squibb of Engine Company 1132.

This grant award makes three separate AFG awards for the Pennsauken Fire Department. In 2006, we were awarded $138,000 for firefighter turn-out gear; in 2008, we were awarded $675,000 for the replacement of a tower ladder apparatus; and now, the 2015 award at $857,304. This creates a total savings to Pennsauken taxpayers of $1,670,304, allowing us to more efficiently and effectively protect Township residences and businesses.