FANWOOD — The Borough of Fanwood has been awarded a $70,000 grant award from the NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCA) American Rescue Plan (ARP) Grant Fund to purchase 15 sets of turnout coats and pants for the borough’s volunteer fire department. The grant supports regional and local firefighter departments to ensure they have proper protection, cleaning, and sanitization equipment. These are funds available through the American Rescue Plan disbursed by the New Jersey DCA.

“Fanwood is exceptionally fortunate to have a dedicated all-volunteer fire department and with grant awards like this. It truly makes a difference in being able to ensure that all of their safety needs are met in a timely manner,” Mayor Colleen Mahr said.

“The Fanwood Volunteer Fire Department is pleased to have been chosen to receive $70,000 in this year’s NJ DCA American Rescue Plan Grant. PPE (personal protective equipment) is the most important equipment we own. The safety of our membership with high-quality protective equipment allows us to perform with courage and confidence, while moving forward into dangerous environments,” Fire Chief John Piccola said. “We will be replacing all necessary gear with at least 14 full sets. Special thanks to Mayor Mahr, FanwoodCouncilmembersandAshley Taylor of Millennium Strategies for their constant support and drive to make Fanwood safe.”