Federal grants to provide training for Englewood firefighters

ENGLEWOOD, N.J. (PIX11) - Inside the Englewood Firehouse is a young department ready to respond to any emergency thrown their way.

But before they respond, they train and now, their training will be taken to a new level.

On Thursday, New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer, D-NJ, announced that more than $160,000 in assistance for firefighters from a federal grant will go towards special training exercises for Englewood firefighters.

"The trainings will equip Englewood firefighters in some of the highest-risk situations," said Gottheimer.

"The City can't afford to bring the firefighters in off-duty," said Englewood Fire Department Chief Jeff Kaplan, "and so that's where the funding is really paying the bulk of the cost."

The money will help pay for the firefighters to train for rescues like man-versus machinery, elevators and more.

"We do elevator emergencies all the time," said Kaplan, "I would say dozens and dozens a year, it's very common."

Not only will their training benefit Englewood residents, but also people who live in surrounding towns who may have volunteer fire departments.

"Mutual aid is going to be the beneficiary of what we in Englewood will be training and other communities will be a beneficiary of," said Englewood Mayor Michael Wildes. 

Around the Country, volunteer fire companies are seeing a shortage of members. Meanwhile, the paid Englewood Fire Department has faced adversity of its own -- after the pandemic sent many firefighters into retirement.

"There was a mass exodus of senior firemen," said Englewood IAFF Local 3260 President Don de Vera, "and unfortunately with them leaving the ranks they take their experience with them."

Union leaders said Thursday, that 50 percent of the department's manpower has 5 years on the job or less, another reason this training will be so crucial.