Neighbor News
Is it time for a paid fire department in holmdel?
"...Deputy Mayor nor the Fire Chief were privy to these negotiations.... r consulted on the location prior to this deal being announced..."
IS IT TIME FOR A PAID FIRE DEPARTMENT IN HOLMDEL?
This question is on the minds of many Holmdel residents after the 4th major
structural fire (all total losses) in less than two years. The results
of the Town Council commissioned analysis of the Township Fire and
Safety system by fire safety expert Harry R. Carter Ph.D, made clear
that our current volunteer department of 35 highly dedicated individuals
(the majority of whom are not even township residents) is simply not
sufficient. Dr. Carter notes, “based
upon my review of the nature of your community and its population, I
would suggest that you should plan on developing a career department,
supplemented by a volunteer support staff, as soon as possible.” Despite
these recommendations, and the public’s reaction to the report at the
Township Committee meeting on February 12th, two days later the Mayor
released a video message that Holmdel would not consider a career paid
department; that Somerset Development had “generously” decided to build
the Township a firehouse on the grounds of their development, Bell
Works; and, in return they would seek approval to build 195 one-bedroom
rental apartments adjacent to the “free” firehouse
While
the details are still being negotiated, it should be noted that neither
the Deputy Mayor nor the Fire Chief were privy to these negotiations or
consulted on the location of the firehouse, prior to this deal being
announced. Mayor Hinds also stated that this would not
result in a tax increase for our residents; however, most residents have
already seen their homeowner’s insurance increase due to the downgrade
of our Insurance Services Office Public Protection Classification (ISO).
We
are all thankful that none of these fires resulted in loss of life or
major injury, but If fire safety is truly the priority all Committee
members have mentioned publicly, the cost of a paid fire department
along with the construction of a centrally located firehouse should be
determined, put on the ballot, and residents should be allowed to have
the final say.
Ronald E. Emma
Holmdel Homeowner
