South Jersey Gas, a subsidiary of SJI, officially launched its annual First Responders Grant Program on Thursday, inviting local emergency service departments to apply for critical funding. The program is designed to support the lifesaving efforts of fire, police, and EMS departments across the utility’s expansive South Jersey service area.
The grants are specifically designated for the purchase of vital equipment and technology that improve both first responder safety and community protection. Eligible expenses include:
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Safety gear: Turnout gear, body armor and personal protective equipment (PPE).
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Technical tools: Combustible gas detectors, multigas monitoring meters and thermal imaging cameras.
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Operational equipment: Fire hoses, medical supplies, traffic flares and communications technology.
The program is open to both paid and volunteer departments. To be eligible, a department must serve at least one of the 112 municipalities within the South Jersey Gas service territory, which spans Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem counties, along with portions of Gloucester, Burlington and Camden counties.
“Our first responders provide critical emergency planning and response services that keep our families safe every day,” the company said in a statement. “These grants are a token of our appreciation and a practical investment in the tools they need to perform their duties safely.”
In 2025, the program provided essential aid to numerous local squads, including the Glassboro Police Department, the Wildwood Fire Department and the Somerdale Fire Department. Past recipients have used the funds for everything from UV rapid sanitizers for ambulances to portable water tanks for rural firefighting in non-hydrant areas.
How to apply
Interested departments must submit their applications through the South Jersey Gas community portal. The selection process is competitive, focusing on the potential community benefit and the specific safety needs identified in the application.
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Deadline: Friday, Feb. 13 by 5:00 p.m.
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Requirements: A price quote or documentation for equipment requests and a current W-9 form.
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Application Portal: southjerseygas.com/community
South Jersey Gas serves more than 420,000 customers, and this initiative remains a cornerstone of its commitment to the “Powering Progress” vision of building a safer, more resilient New Jersey.
