MILLSTONE – The Millstone Township Fire Company has launched a new effort to recruit volunteer firefighters.
The fire company consists of career (paid) firefighters and volunteer firefighters. There are 10 career firefighters employed by the fire company and their efforts are supplemented by 27 volunteer firefighters , according to Fire Commissioner David Markunas.
Markunas said the career firefighters work in two shifts consisting of five members and provide primary coverage from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. He said the volunteer firefighters provide primary coverage from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Volunteer firefighters may respond to calls for assistance during daytime hours when they are available and career firefighters may be called in to work to supplement volunteer efforts when necessary during the evening and overnight hours.
According to fire company personnel, the recruitment effort is being made in the face of a nationwide shortage of volunteer firefighters.
As part of the effort, the fire company is reaching out to potential volunteers through its website (millstonefire.com), Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Millstonefire) and Twitter account (twitter.com/MTFD32).
Prospective volunteers should visit www.millstonefire.com and click on Join Fire Company or Contact Us.
Fire Chief John Fiore said that in addition to responding to emergencies, a firefighter’s responsibilities include directing traffic during emergencies, teaching fire safety and fire prevention skills at schools and community events, and assisting with administrative, fundraising and event-planning tasks.
Recruitment Committee Chairman Sean McManus said the fire company will provide free and comprehensive training in fire and rescue operations to prospective volunteers.
In addition to helping people in need, according to fire company personnel, the benefits of joining the fire company as a volunteer include receiving training that may lead to career advancement or a new career in emergency response, a free annual physical, the opportunity to participate in a Length of Service Awards Program retirement savings plan, the use of a fully equipped on-site gym and an annual awards dinner-dance and family summer picnic.
“We are very fortunate to have career and volunteer firefighters who work together to provide emergency response services in Millstone Township,” Markunas said. “We are blessed to have dedicated individuals willing to serve as volunteers. Our volunteers are an invaluable resource and provide a tremendous contribution to the safety and well-being of the community.
“All too often, we take for granted what we get for free,” he said. “I want to make sure we do everything necessary to strengthen and sustain our current volunteers, and encourage new recruits to recognize the personal rewards of being a volunteer. Many of our volunteers have capitalized on their experience to become career firefighters not only in our town, but in other cities and states throughout the country.”
The Millstone Township Fire Company has its headquarters on Stagecoach Road in the Clarksburg section of the municipality.
