By Amy Batista, Special Writer
ROBBINSVILLE — A new firefighter has been hired to fill a vacant position in the fire department.
Eric Guglielmo, 21, of Pennsville was sworn in by Township Clerk Michele Seigfried on Sept. 2 after he started work on Sept. 1.
"The department and I are very pleased that Eric chose to continue his career with the Robbinsville Township Fire Department and welcome him aboard," said Deputy Chief Dan Schaffener on Thursday. "He earned the position by way of his dedication to the hiring process and his dedication to the fire service since he began his journey at the age of 17. We know that he will serve the residents of Robbinsville Township well for years to come."
Firefighter Guglielmo started his career as a volunteer firefighter.
"He began his firefighting career as a volunteer at the age of 17 with the Deepwater Fire Department in Deepwater," Deputy Chief Schaffener said. "He has most recently been employed with the Pennsville Fire Department as a career firefighter for the last two years before accepting a position with Robbinsville."
He is filling a position that has been vacant since November 2013.
"This position was vacant due to attrition," the deputy chief said, adding he will be working on the B Platoon.
The position was budgeted effective Sept. 1 and he will be paid a probationary salary of $43,731, the deputy chief said. He noted that probation lasts for one year.
Firefighter Guglielmo was hired after completing a "comprehensive hiring procedure which includes a written test, physical test, driving test, and interview."
"In 2012, a list was established after the completion of this procedure which resulted in over 30 candidates placing on the list, after receiving over 100 applications," the deputy chief said. "Eric was the next candidate on the hiring list and accepted the position."
"I would like to thank the township administration for demonstrating their dedication in working towards proper staffing levels within the Fire Department as Robbinsville Township continues to grow," Deputy Chief Schaffener said.

