Why I’m Voting ‘Yes’ to Increase Benefits for our 1st Responders

Leading up the election, I’ll reveal my position on each question you’ll see on the ballot in Holmdel. Today, I’m addressing the increase in Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) for Holmdel’s Fire and First Aid volunteers.

The question on the ballot reads as follows:

“Should the Township of Holmdel increase the benefits under the Emergency Services Volunteer Length of Service Award Program Act from the currently authorized amount of $1,150 per volunteer to the maximum allowable by law for Holmdel’s program, $1,580 per volunteer, and further authorize automatic cost of living adjustments in future years?”

There are three very specific, very simple reasons why I think we should vote ‘YES’ on this question:

1. Take better care of those who take care of us. The people who would benefit from this increase, as stated above, are volunteers – they don’t receive a paycheck. In order to be eligible to receive LOSAP benefits, our volunteers have to meet certain requirements based on a “points” system, as detailed here. Essentially, they meet a minimum threshold of commitment and contribution to our community in order to receive these benefits. These are people who willingly, selflessly take time away from their families and friends to be there when we need them most. The importance of the work they do for Holmdel is incalculable – and I think a contribution increase of $430 per member per year is simply the right thing to do. There is nothing more important than public safety.
2. Recruitment. As stated at the conception of this program in Holmdel – one of the primary drivers is to “increase enrollment in Volunteer Fire Companies and First Aid Squads within the Township of Holmdel and to reward such volunteers for their tireless efforts, and their many hours spent to preserve and protect the health, safety, property and welfare of the residents of the Township of Holmdel”. With the development of a new firehouse underway, it could be argued that recruitment is more important than ever to make sure that that firehouse is staffed appropriately to respond quickly when the time comes. Anything we can do to incent people to volunteer and maximize our potential to protect and support Holmdel’s resident should be considered.
3. Retention. Likewise, retaining the volunteers we currently have is also critical to the safety and well-being of our residents. Our volunteers range from local college students to retirees and everyone in between – we want to ensure we’re doing everything we can to maintain optimal staffing and, in turn, doing everything we can to optimally serve Holmdel’s residents.

I think that’s a worthwhile investment for those who provide us with so much.

Election Day is November 2nd – I’m the Republican candidate for Holmdel Township committee and if you’d like to learn more about me and what I stand for you can visit

my website or Facebook page.