Applications Available for Firefighter Exam

Millburn Fire Department officials are encouraging firefighters interested in joining the department to take an upcoming exam, but it could be some time before there are openings.

The state Civil Service Commission is accepting applications for the firefighter exam through March 31. Applications can be downloaded (pdf file) off the state Web site or can be picked up at the Millburn Fire Department, Town Hall or the Millburn Public Library.

Because Millburn is a civil service community, applicants must use the state civil service exam to join the department. Battalion Chief Ed Wade, the department's public information officer, said they need to produce a new list before the old one expires. Lists expire after two years.

But Millburn isn't hiring firefighters right now. "We're not in the position to do so," Wade said. "Our ranks are full."

But Millburn needs the list ready so when retirements are pending they are ready. Wade said it remains unclear when there may be retirements in the Millburn department, but some are approaching the mandatory retirement age. It would be at least a year and a half before there are retirements.

But it also takes a long time for the state commission to generate a list. "It's a painstakingly slow process," Wade said. "We may not have the results for a year."

Men and women looking to qualify for the examination must be between the age of 18-35 years of old and possess a valid New Jersey Drivers License. Only one application can be submitted and will qualify a candidate for all of the communities in which that candidate qualifies for depending on where he resides. To qualify for Millburn's list, the candidate must live in any one of three counties—Essex, Union or Morris. There is a $35.00 application fee that must be mailed with the application.

Once the candidate successfully passes the exam, his name will be placed on an eligibility list in accordance with their passing grade. Veteran's will have preference and will be placed at the top of the list to be followed by non-veterans. The list will then be in effect for a period of two years.