Fire Company Recruiting Hard To Bring In New Volunteers In Howell

HOWELL, NJ — Like so many fire companies in the area, Adelphia Fire Company relies on volunteers to battle blazes. Whether it's a smoking battery or a house fire, it takes humans to hold the hoses and extinguish fires anywhere they are called across the 22 square miles of Howell, or points beyond.

Recruiting volunteers is challenge for all kinds of organizations, but emergency services in particular have been struggling to gain new members.

To help the fire company with its efforts to increase membership, a new recruitment campaign funded by a federal grant aims to get the message out.

That message? "Join Our Tradition. Create Your Legacy."

The campaign will feature ads on social media, videos, mailers, and lawn signs, along with working with the media and a booth display at events.

The materials will point those interested to the website www.HeroesNeeded.org, where community members can fill out an inquiry form to express interest in volunteering.

The campaign is funded through a Staffing Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

"We are looking for dedicated individuals to join our team," said Carmelo La Marca, trustee of Adelphia Fire Company and commissioner of Howell Township Fire District 2. "As you serve the community, you’ll also find camaraderie, pride and lifelong friendships at the firehouse."

Volunteers receive professional training at state, national and international levels with the ability to earn advanced certifications. In addition to giving back on calls, there are many community events to get involved with, such as Wreaths Across America, the Santa Run and Memorial Day parades.

Volunteers are sought in the following roles:

Active Member – Volunteers will respond to a wide variety of fire and rescue calls, including carbon monoxide alarms, gas leaks, motor vehicle accidents, brush fires and more. No prior experience is required for this role. Adelphia Fire Company will provide training and gear.

Active Associate Member – This volunteer role is for certified New Jersey firefighters who belong to another fire company and work or live within the community.

Support Member – To make a difference without fighting fires, support members assist with community events and administrative tasks.

Junior Member (ages 14-17) – Teens can start training and learning the skills of the fire service by gaining hands-on experience starting at 14.

To learn more about Adelphia Fire Company or to fill out an inquiry form, visit www.HeroesNeeded.org.