Caldwell Fire Department Gets $76K For New Gear

The Caldwell Fire Department has more than $76,000 coming its way from a federal grant to purchase new safety equipment for firefighters. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded the Caldwell Fire Department $76,650 this week that will go toward equipping 100 percent of the department's firefighters with state of the art Personal Protective Equipment — such as pants, coats, gloves, helmets — for the next decade. 

"This is a great grant," said Caldwell Fire Chief Gary Garamella. "We'll get ... the best stuff out there." 

"[Personal Protective Equipment] is the firefighters’ first level of protection as they enter a hostile fire environment," said Garamella in a press release. "The safety of our members is a priority. Our members will benefit directly from having the highest level of protection available to them as they perform their duties.” 

The grant, called the 2012 Assistance to Firefighters Grant, was completed by Lt. Mark Guiliano, a retired fire chief from Nutley Fire Department.