Feb. 21 Budget Vote to Fund East Freehold Fire Company Is Topic of Outreach Effort

Freehold Township, NJ…It is not a surprise that a growing community yields more 911 emergency calls. That is the case for East Freehold Fire Company, which is 100% volunteer. The fire company has seen a 17% jump in calls in 2025, the need for more volunteer firefighters, training, and costly but necessary gear to support them.

Luckily, the 2026 budget developed by Freehold Township Fire District #2, which funds East Freehold Fire Company, will result in no tax increases for the average homeowner. But the budget – to be voted on February 21 – needs to garner voter approval.

To educate voters, Freehold Fire District #2 is stepping up communication via social media, a targeted postcard mailing and press releases. The end game is to inform citizens before they vote via mail or in-person at East Freehold Fire Company on Saturday, February 21 from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m.

The 2026 fire budget up for voter approval focuses on a commitment to public safety though the following:

• Gearing up new volunteer firefighters. Gear and equipment cost $21,000+ per firefighter
• Providing intensive live-fire training programs to address a steady increase in fire calls within the township.
• Securing the next generation of firefighters through a new junior program.
• Continuing public safety and fire prevention programs and events which put East Freehold firefighters front and center among the citizens they protect.

According to Freehold Township Fire District #2 and East Freehold Fire Company, voter approval of the 2026 budget ensures the fire company’s ability to respond to the 911 calls that are increasing annually. “Our calls are up by 17%, in 2025, yet people are often surprised to learn that only 1.6% of the Township budget goes to the Fire District.” said Evan Berman, President of East Freehold Fire Company. “That’s why we need our 2026 Budget to pass, and for citizens to remember that Feb. 21 is voting day. Fortunately, there is no tax increase in this budget for the average voter.”

East Freehold Fire Company at a Glance

East Freehold Fire Company is located within Freehold Township Fire District #2. The company has 50+ volunteer firefighters and serves citizens 24/7. In 2025, the fire company responded to 517 calls, with a rise in rescue and structural related emergencies.

Essential Voting Day Details

In-person voting for the Freehold Township Fire District #2 budget (which funds East Freehold Fire Company) will be held at the East Freehold Fire Company on Saturday, February 21 from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. The fire company is located at 191 Dutch Lane Rd., Freehold Township. Voters can also submit their ballot by mail, but must have it postmarked prior to Feb. 21 to be counted.

For more information, visit https://eastfreeholdfire.com/

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