UPPER FREEHOLD — The Township Committee has adopted an ordinance that will allow for the hiring of a fire superintendent and a fire official.
Those officials are expected to work with the Hope Fire Company, which serves Upper Freehold Township and Allentown. The fire company includes career (paid) firefighters and volunteer firefighters.
The committee took the action at its meeting on Sept. 3. Mayor Stanley Moslowski Jr. and Deputy Mayor Robert Frascella did not return messages seeking comment about the ordinance.
A fire official previously said it is possible one person could have the qualifications to fill both positions — fire superintendent and fire official.
According to the ordinance, the fire superintendent will:
Direct the daily work assignments of the township fire department personnel and ensure the satisfactory completion of the assignments
Write memos and standard operation guidelines with the assistance of the Hope Fire Company chief to inform, instruct or direct fire department activities
Review department training programs to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, and may assist in training of fire personnel
Authorize training courses for departmental staff
Have the authority to relieve or recommend disciplinary actions of township career firefighters for violations of departmental, county, state or federal regulations
Maintain inventory control of township fire department assets
Assist the township administrator in the development of the township fire department budget and in formulating the township’s position in negotiating applicable collective bargaining negotiations agreements
Consult with and advise the township administrator with respect to any matters pertaining to fire department policy, personnel, or the purchase of equipment and supplies or other matters generally relating to the efficient operation of the fire department.
The fire official, which could be a parttime position, will handle fire prevention codes and other associated tasks.
The fire superintendent position is expected to pay between $25,000 and $60,000 per year. The fire official position is expected to pay between $5,000 and $15,000 per year.
The Hope Fire Company is seeking additional volunteers to serve the community at this time.
In order to become a volunteer firefighter, an individual must attend the Monmouth County Fire Academy, Howell, for 160 hours of training. The training is provided at no cost to the volunteer.
The Hope Fire Company currently consists of about 25 volunteer firefighters and four career (paid) firefighters, among other positions. For more information, visit hopefirecompany.com. Potential volunteers may stop in at the Hope Fire Company, 82 Route 526, Upper Freehold, any Wednesday between 7-9 p.m.