Still Seeking a Meaningful Way to Make a Difference this Year?

Ship Bottom, NJ...If you’re still seeking a meaningful way to make a difference this year, Ship Bottom Volunteer Fire Company Chief Todd MacLennan has a suggestion: Become a Ship Bottom volunteer.

“Joining the fire company can make a huge difference in your life by giving back to your community. Opportunities are always available for volunteers of all backgrounds and skill sets. Our members receive training that can aid in both personal and professional development, equipping them with the skills that are applicable in various aspects of life.” MacLennan said.

Ship Bottom Fire is always looking for and accepting volunteers in all emergency roles:

• Firefighters - respond to a variety of emergencies and provide aid in rescue work, along with extinguishing and preventing fires.
• Junior firefighters - teens who are trained to assist and train to become full members at age 18.
• Fire Police - direct traffic and bystanders and secure the scenes of fires and other emergencies so first responders can work safely.

Volunteers save lives and property. Joining Ship Bottom comes with other benefits, too.

Volunteers never stop learning through the free, comprehensive training the fire company offers and from each other. “I love learning new things, and I want to keep learning so I get better and better at this,” said Firefighter Jose Martinez. “Someone might be having the worst
day of their life, and you can use your experience, and what you know, to make their life better. That’s the whole point of being a firefighter.”

For some volunteers, the life-saving and leadership skills learned through the fire company help them advance in their careers or pursue a new career.

Volunteers build strong friendships. The fire company is a team that takes on many challenges together. “Volunteering has given me a sense of purpose and belonging,” said Ship Bottom Volunteer Fire Company President Emily Peraria.

The first step: Visit shipbottomfirefighters.org and click “Join Us.” Fill out a short form and a current volunteer will contact you shortly.