EAST GREENWICH TWP. — The East Greenwich Mayor and Council emphasized its commitment to its fire department, authorizing the submission of four grant applications for equipment replacement. At the regular council meeting on Aug. 11, the council approved over $24,000 in grant applications.
Over the last two council meetings, eight grants totaling approximately $69,000 were submitted with the intent to fund equipment for the volunteer fire department, not including grants that were previously awarded this calendar year. Grant proposals ranged from ventilation equipment, to gas meters, and saw replacements.
“I just really want to say congratulations for all of the hard work in putting these grants together,” said Mayor James Philbin Jr. “It’s just an outstanding job trying to be proactive, looking for ways to purchase equipment to save the township money. We really do appreciate the hard work.”
Among the grant submission approvals, the council authorized the use of previously awarded grant funds to purchase thermal imaging cameras to be used by responders, and to be available in emergency response vehicles. Using the $7,600 awarded to the fire department on behalf of the Zallie’s Community Foundation and Colonial Pipeline, the council authorized the purchase of six FirePRO 300 fast frame thermal image cameras, desk chargers, and six Seek FirePRO gear keeper retractable lanyards.
Adding to the fire department’s equipment inventory, the council also authorized the additional capital purchase of three Seek AttackPRO S cameras and truck chargers, two Seek FirePRO 300 cameras and chargers, and associated retractable lanyards for a total contractual amount of $15,281.00.
In other legislative business, the council approved a resolution adding additional roads to its continuous road improvement initiative, naming Whiskey Mill Road its 2026 project, and naming Landing Road as its 2027 project. Philbin Jr. said that the township receives a New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) grant annually, allowing the township to provide road improvements to the town on a rolling five-year basis.
The council also appointed four members to the township’s Parks and Recreation Committee. East Greenwich residents Anthony DeAngelo and Randy Szeg will both complete outstanding terms of one year, while Herbert Conrad II and Craig Mullen will each serve full three-year terms.
By Ethan Stoetzer
