Back


Woodbridge News

Print this Page

March 1, 2004

Mayor Frank G. Pelzman joined other Township Council members in addressing a rally at Port Reading Firehouse on Feb. 29 that drew firefighters and fire chiefs from across Middlesex County. The rally was called to protest proposed federal cuts to local fire grant programs totalling $246 million nationwide. "Homeland security begins with hometown security," said Mayor Pelzman, who was joined by Township Council Members Charles Kenny, Vincent Martino, Kevin Wertz and James Carroll. "We must give the men and women responsible for protecting us the necessary equipment and training to do their job." Councilman Kenny, captain of Woodbridge Fire District 1, told the assembly that this was not a Democrat or Republican issue. "This is about saving lives," he said. 13th District U.S. Representative Robert Menendez, State Senator Joseph Vitale and Assemblyman John Wisniewski were among other speakers urging President Bush to restore the funding, which would be used to purchase critical safety equipment and aid in training emergency first responders. "All Americans should write the White House and their Congressional representatives and demand that the money that has been allocated to firefighters actually be given to them," said Rep. Menendez. "It is crucial for the safety of our communities."