Fire Chief
Abraham Pitre

PERTH AMBOY – 5/12/14 Caucus Meeting Resolution: R-227 – Authorizing the City of Perth Amboy Fire Department to submit an application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the 2014 Port Security Grant Program.

Fire Chief Abraham Pitre said that the Fire Department is applying for six grants for $25,000 each for $150,000 total. (to help defray the cost of what was needed in the Fire Department) “During the off season, we have other municipalities in place for assistance.”

The discussion also involved the Fire and Police Boats donated by Homeland Security to the City. The problem with this donation according to B.A. Greg Fehrenbach, “Are the slow reimbursement payments  from the County to the City. In 2013, we just received the reimbursements for 2012. These payments are $20,000 a year for maintenance costs and to keep the boat operational. This excludes gasoline. The Fire Department has given the County a list of what they use the Fire Boat for.”

Council President Joel Pabon said, “I would love to see both boats stay here, but we have to be careful on how these boats are used, especially if we aren’t reimbursed for all costs.”

When the Super Bowl took place in New Jersey early this year, Perth Amboy  boats were used for security. Unlike other participants, Perth Amboy was not reimbursed by the Super Bowl Committee. Several residents complained about this.

Former Councilman Fernando Gonzalez said, “Our Fire Department is understaffed. We need to return the Fire Boat. It’s a nice toy, but we can’t afford 2 boats. Use the money to hire more firefighters.”