Community Corner
Lawrence Firefighters Will Now Be On Duty 24/7. Here's What's Changing
The township is replacing its 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekday schedule with round-the-clock career staffing starting April 13.
LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — The Lawrence Township Fire Department will expand its weekday staffing to around-the-clock coverage beginning in April, township officials said.
Effective April 13, career firefighters will be on duty Monday through Friday, 24 hours a day, replacing the current schedule of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The change is designed to strengthen emergency response and ensure consistent fire protection during weekdays, according to the township.
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Volunteer firefighters will continue to staff weekend shifts and will remain available seven days a week, 24 hours a day, responding to emergencies and supporting fire operations alongside career personnel.
Public Safety Director Chris Longo said the department's career staff is trained and prepared to respond to a wide range of emergencies, and emphasized that the transition does not diminish the role of volunteers.
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"The Township greatly values the service of our volunteer firefighters and sincerely appreciates their dedication and commitment to protecting our community," Longo said. "This transition reflects our continued investment in public safety while recognizing the critical role our volunteers play each and every day."
Todd Lenarski, president of FMBA Local 96, the union representing Lawrence Township's career firefighters, expressed strong support for the change.
"This is a significant step forward for public safety in Lawrence Township," Lenarski said. "Expanding to 24-hour weekday staffing ensures that our highly trained career firefighters are available when residents need them most, while continuing to work alongside our dedicated volunteer firefighters who remain an essential part of our department."
The announcement was made jointly by Municipal Manager Kevin Nerwinski, Longo and Emergency Management Coordinator Jack Oakley.
For more information, contact Public Safety Director Chris Longo at Cmlongo@lawrencetwp.com or 609-844-7010.
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