New Member Sworn Into Chatham Township Fire Department

CHATHAM, NJ — The Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department (CTVFD) welcomed its newest full-time member earlier this year.

Nick Nikolopoulos joined the CTVFD after graduating from the Morris County Fire Academy in June. Nikolopoulos, his wife Eve and their three teenage sons moved to Chatham Township from Brooklyn three years ago.

“Nick is a great addition to our team. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge that we will all benefit from,” Chief Matt Chase said.

At the age of 12, Nikolopoulos began his journey to become a firefighter by volunteering in the youth squad of his local ambulance in Brooklyn. At the age of 17, he became an EMT and spent ten years as a medic in the FDNY system and 25 years volunteering at his local ambulance squad.

Upon moving to Chatham, Nikolopoulos looked for opportunities to get involved and give back to his new community. His first encounter with the CTVFD occurred at the annual Christmas tree sale at the fire station on River Road, where he noticed a sign stating that volunteers were needed. Two weeks later, he joined and never looked back, according to CTVFD President Richard Gentles.

"I love the professionalism, enthusiasm, and constant training opportunities that our dept has. I am honored to be a firefighter in our community, and I am looking forward to representing our town well," Nikolopoulos said.