Struggling NJ Volunteer FD to Spend $800K on Career Firefighters

After more than 200 years of being an all-volunteer department, Princeton will be hiring career firefighters for the first time this year.

“Our goal here is to augment the volunteer’s schedule by always having two paid firefighters at the firehouse at all times,” said Robert Gregory, the director of the Department of Emergency and Safety Services.

Princeton will hire six full-time firefighters total. The positions will be offered to the department’s current volunteers first. If current members are uninterested in becoming full time or do not meet the job criteria the township will look for members outside of the current department, according to Township Administrator Marc Dashield.

The paid firefighters will work in shifts of two on a rotating schedule, ensuring there are two members available to respond to emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The paid positions could cost up to $800,000, Princeton Mayor Liz Lempert previously told NJ Advance Media.

All applicants will have to complete an interview and pass background checks and a medical assessment.

“We have volunteers that want to respond but depending on the time of day they are unable to leave what they are doing and go out on a call,” Dashield said.

Prompted by a shortage of volunteers that often pushes firefighters to call for back-up from neighboring towns, Princeton hired a consulting firm in 2018 to conduct a study of the department.

The study looked at response times, call volume, and where current members live. It also gave recommendations for the department to on how it can improve, Gregory said.

“When we get emergency calls in, the biggest barrier we have to going out on a call is not having a member available to drive or sit in the officer seat,” Gregory said. “Having two career people available at any given time will fill in that gap.”

The new full-time members are expected to be in their roles by December, Dashield said. Until then current members are encouraged to sign up for additional shifts beyond what is required.

The department has also started a per-diem program in order to ensure the public is safe as the career firefighters are being hired, Gregory said. The initiative allows the volunteers to earn money for shifts on the weekends, which is when it is most difficult for volunteers to respond.

The Fire Department currently has 29 members that are qualified to respond to emergency calls. According to Gregory, 10-15 members respond regularly.

In addition to bringing on full-time firefighters, the department will also be increasing volunteer recruitment efforts through a social media campaign and an online video, Gregory said.

The Fire Department is also planning on reviving its junior firefighter program. It will allow 16- and 17-year olds to volunteer with tasks around the firehouse and learn from Fire Department members, Gregory said.

Those who interested in becoming volunteers can apply on the township’s website.

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