Jump in 911 Calls Prompts Fire Station #55 to Educate Residents About Feb. 21 Fire Budget Vote.

JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ– The 2025 data is in and the figures are alarming. Fire Station #55’s 911 emergency calls have increased by 33% in just two years because of population growth in the coverage area. There has never been a more critical time to maintain the 24/7/365 coverage that was approved last year. That is why educating citizens about the proposed 2026 budget –prior to the February 21 public budget vote- has become a priority for Jackson Township Fire District #3, which funds Fire Station #55.

To help residents understand what is included in the 2026 Proposed Budget and why voting on February 21 matters, Fire Station #55 has launched a public awareness campaign that includes residential mailings, traditional and social media outreach, and community presentations throughout its coverage area.

On Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, from 2 to 10 p.m., residents will be asked to approve or reject the proposed 2026 Fire Budget.

Fire Station #55 operates as a combination department of both paid and volunteer firefighters. With demand continuing to rise and just 7.17% of the Township’s tax budget allocated to the fire district, leadership developed a shoestring, essentials-only budget designed to sustain 24/7/365 emergency response while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

The proposed 2026 fire district budget covers the following:

• Retaining three career firefighters by covering their salaries and health insurance cost increases (36%), ensuring uninterrupted 24/7/365 coverage. It also includes funding for a part-time Fire Bureau inspector to help reduce fire risks through prevention and inspections.
• An architectural evaluation to assess permanent, safe overnight sleeping options for firefighters. Firefighters currently sleep in a conference room.
• Compliance with new state training standards and the replacement of firefighter turnout gear to meet updated safety requirements.
• Ongoing maintenance on aging fire apparatus and support vehicles to ensure they remain reliable and ready to respond when emergencies occur.
• Approval of the budget supports the planned consolidation of fire districts 2 and 3. Without it, daily operations efforts could be compromised.

If approved by voters, the tax impact of the 2026 Proposed Budget will cost the average homeowner $3.50 per month. “This is a minimalist budget which ensures public safety by making sure we have firefighters ready and able to respond whenever the call comes in,” Frank C. Hruschka, Commissioner in Fire District #3.

Demand for emergency services reached a record high in 2025, with 1,513 combined fire and EMS calls. The trend, however, has been evident over the past two years, driven by rapid population growth, and in 2024, Fire Districts 2 and 3 implemented a shared coverage agreement for weekends, which later expanded to include holidays. In 2025, that partnership was further expanded to provide 24-hour coverage in both districts.

“This vote affects how fire protection will be delivered in our community,” added Hruschka. “We want residents to have clear, factual information about what’s in the proposed budget and why it matters before they cast a ballot.”

How to Vote

Residents may vote either by mail or in person. In-person voting will be held Saturday, Feb. 21, from 2 to 10 p.m. The location for in-person voting Jackson Fire Station #55, located at 113 N. New Prospect Road in Jackson.

Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked by Feb. 21 to be counted. Ballot request forms are available at https://tinyurl.com/4hydyjn9 (scroll to “VOTE BY MAIL” for the ballot application).

Residents are encouraged to visit www.jacksonfiredist3.org/budgetupdate/ for additional information about the proposed 2026 budget.

Schedule a Speaking Engagement

If you represent a local organization and would like the Fire Station #55 Chief and Jackson Township Fire District #3 to speak to residents about the 2026 Proposed Fire Budget, please email comsol@comsolutionsgroup.com to schedule a presentation.

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