Residents of southern Holmdel need to be very cautious since the sudden disbandment of the all-volunteer Holmdel Fire Company 1 and closing of the Main Street firehouse in April 2014.
At that time, the Township Committee reported reduced emergency response times in the event of a fire in this area. The fire truck used for the southern part of town was housed in a storage shed on the Vonage property and has since been damaged by the elements.
Last year’s dismissal of Fire Company 1 has dramatically reduced the number of active firefighters in town. Earlier this year, these numbers were further diminished when members of Holmdel Fire Company 2 were arrested and charged after allegedly stealing dozens of campaign signs. There are now fewer firefighters, less equipment and further distances to travel to a fire, leaving residents along the Route 520 corridor without adequate fire protection. Our fears were confirmed at last week’s Township Committee meeting when one committeeman announced the town’s intent to purchase property for a new firehouse in order to re-establish emergency services in southern Holmdel. One wonders what it will cost the taxpayers to purchase land, build a new firehouse, recruit (possibly hire) new firefighters and buy or refurbish the damaged equipment.
Fire Company 1 had provided excellent fire protection in southern Holmdel for the last 97 years at minimal cost to the town. Why did the Township Committee try to “fix” something that was not broken?
Regina Criscione
Holmdel