$500,000 In Federal Funds To Help Toms River Volunteer Fire Department Recruit New Members From The Desk Of Congressman Chris Smith

TOMS RIVER - Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) announced Toms River Fire District No. 1 will receive $508,256 in federal funds to help recruit and retain volunteers as part of the federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program. The Fire District oversees six of the township’s nine fire stations.

“The vitality of Toms River’s volunteer fire department depends greatly on retaining its dedicated firefighters who selflessly risk their lives to rescue our neighbors who fall in harm’s way, as well as attracting new volunteers who are ready to courageously respond to the call of service,” said Smith, who had contacted the Department of Homeland Security on behalf of the township to advocate for the funds.

“Toms River is grateful to Congress - man Smith for working hard to get these much-needed funds to recruit and retain firefighters,” said Maurice B. Hill, Jr., Mayor of Toms River. “Our first responders, many of whom are volunteers, are the backbone of our community and we are grateful for their sacrifice and courage in protecting our lives and property.”

“This federally-funded Recruitment & Retention grant is a tremendous leg up for volunteer firefighting and the lifesaving and financial benefits it brings to our community,” said Fire District No. 1 Administrator Brian Kubiel, who noted the funds will be used to reach out to potential recruits and help pay the expenses of firefighting training, including related advertising and educational classes.

“This federal grant program - which I strongly supported - will help ensure the vital Toms River volunteer fire crew can continue to meet the needs of our community with responsive action that will help save the lives of those who find themselves in serious danger,” said Smith, a member of the House Fire Services Caucus. Administered by DHS, the SAFER grant provides funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter organizations to help them increase or maintain the number of trained, front-line firefighters in their communities.

Hearing Will Address Whale Deaths, Wind Power

Sunday Worship Services of Holy Communion at 10 a.m. &Wednesday spoken Holy Communion at 9 a.m.

Christ Lutheran Church

The Rev. Dr. J. Francis Watson, Pastor 40 Schoolhouse Road, Whiting, NJ 08759 Phone 732.350.0900 • Fax 732.350.0343

E-mail: christlutheranchurch2@verizon.net

Website: christlutheranwhiting.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jefferson Van Drew (R-2 nd ) announced he will be holding his first hearing in South Jersey on March 16th regarding offshore wind projects being built off the coast of New Jersey, with time and location to be announced in the coming weeks.

Congressman Van Drew also announced that he will be introducing legislation that places a moratorium on all existing projects and legislation that will prohibit all future projects. As a result of these comprehensive hearings, it will determine what the best course of action will be and if additional pieces of legislation are needed.

“The unknown impacts of these offshore wind projects raises serious concerns, especially after 18 whales have washed ashore near where surveying is taking place along the East Coast, six of which have been in New Jersey,” said Congressman Van Drew. “These projects will have substantial impacts on the local tourism industry, the fishing industry, and the surrounding environment. As Vice Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I am holding these hearings in order to discover what exactly these impacts will be and to determine what additional pieces of legislation will be adequate to address the issue.”