CNBNews

According to Chief Burleigh the grant was provided to enable private and public sector agencies to address areas of their emergency preparedness and response programs that are in need of improvement. A local need has been identified through the efforts of the local Office of Emergency Management who coordinates periodic exercises, drills and ongoing review of preparedness response activities in the Borough. Chief Burleigh said that members of local emergency response organizations, such as the Police, Fire, EMS and various Borough Departments along with members of the Community and School Officials, work together to provide the best service possible. Efforts include delivering ongoing training, participating in exercises and drills, conducting needs identification, evaluating procedures and critiquing response situations.” The Chief explained that this grant funding will further support this cooperation and enhance the coordination of emergency services in the Borough.

The grant received resulted from an application that was prepared and filed by Fire Chief Jim Burleigh who also serves as the local OEM Coordinator for the Borough. The grant application focused on the previously identified need to upgrade and improve dealing with incidents involving mass casualties and incident command deficiencies that arose from after action reports. According to Chief Burleigh, funding received through this grant will support further efforts in this area. 

Bellmawr Emergency Management officials will be working closely with members of the NJ State Police to secure delivery of the funding to the Borough. “Every little bit helps” one thing is for sure if you do not aggressively seek out and apply and follow up for the funding you are guaranteed not to get it!  said Chief Burleigh. The Borough actively considers and pursues funding opportunities that become available. “This grant award will provide a significant boost to our emergency preparedness program” said the Chief.