CAMDEN - Three South Jersey municipalities are celebrating a merry Christmas after being on the receiving end of a hefty federal grant.

On Wednesday morning, Mayor Dana Redd announced that Camden, Collingswood and Pennsauken fire departments received funding for nearly $1.7 million worth of self-contained breathing apparatus units. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant is provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

In November 2014, the three departments submitted for the regional grant. Redd said the partnership between the towns was a key part of the application — the mention of mutual aid helped earn the funding.

"Camden is proud to partner with our neighbors in Collingswood and Pennsauken on this regional grant,” Redd said. “Whenever implementing a regional initiative, it’s incredibly helpful having strong municipal partners involved.  This grant will help ensure our respective communities and our region's first responders are properly equipped and prepared."

The funding will help the fire departments replace aging equipment that would have been forced out of service.

Read more about the FEMA Grant here:http://www.courierpostonline.com/story/news/local/south-jersey/2015/12/23/firefighter-safety-grants-south-jersey/77550130/