Volunteer Fire Department Secures Critical Funding for State-of-the-Art Gear and Essential Apparatus
file photo courtesy of Boyd Loving
the staff of the Ridghewood blog
HO-HO-KUS, NJ – The Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus is celebrating a massive boost to its public safety infrastructure after securing over $1.25 million in federal funding for the Ho-Ho-Kus Volunteer Fire Department. This critical investment will ensure the department’s dedicated volunteers have the best equipment to protect the community.
The funding is split into two significant awards:
1. $975,000 for a State-of-the-Art Rescue Engine
A staggering $975,000 has been awarded through the federal Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. This grant will go directly toward the purchase of a much-needed new rescue engine.
The proposal for the engine was successfully sponsored by Rep. Josh Gottheimer, who championed the request through the highly competitive House Appropriations Committee process, competing against thousands of applicants nationwide.
Mayor Thomas Randall praised the effort: “We are deeply grateful to Congressman Gottheimer for sponsoring our request… This is a major win for public safety and for the long-term resilience of our town.”
2. $276,190 for Firefighter Safety
A separate award of $276,190 secured through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program will fund 29 new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units. These essential units provide firefighters with critical respiratory protection in dangerous, smoke-filled environments.
Chief Don Seltmann emphasized the life-saving importance of the grants:
“We are incredibly grateful for these generous grant awards. This funding is a true lifeline to our department and the breathing apparatus units and rescue engine will play a critical role in ensuring the safety of our firefighters and community for many years to come.”
Dedication of a Volunteer Force
The 48-member Ho-Ho-Kus Volunteer Fire Department is truly vital to the community, demonstrating incredible dedication year-round. To date in 2025, they have answered 187 calls, dedicating 2,604 total manpower hours to protecting the borough.
While the grant awards cover the bulk of the cost, the borough has established a committee to plan the necessary fundraising efforts to cover the remaining expense of the new rescue engine.
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Thats great. I alway noticed that they had some older equipment
What did Gottheimer get from Ho Ho Kus for gifting them a fire engine they won’t get until 2030? Supposedly, HHK is a wealthy town & doesn’t have to beg for a fire engine.
What a scam….a fire truck cost a million dollars?
It’s just one big Kabal and everyone gets greased.
What a scam….a fire truck cost a million dollars?
It’s just one big cabal and everyone gets greased.