Moorestown Fire Department, College Offers $1,500 In New Program

MOORESTOWN, NJ — The Moorestown Fire Department and Rowan College at Burlington County are teaming up for a new program in which certified firefighters can earn up to $1,500 per semester, the college announced on Thursday.

The Moorestown Fire Department College Duty Crew program offers a 10 percent discount for Burlington County residents, and the money can be used toward any degree program, including the college’s Fire Science Program.

There will also be an opportunity to volunteer for up to 16 hours a week with the Moorestown Fire Department, which was founded in 1879.

“Firefighters are critical to safe communities, and we are thrilled to offer the Moorestown Fire Department College Duty Crew program that will make our local communities stronger and benefit student firefighters who have answered the call to serve their community,” Rowan College at Burlington County President Dr. Michael A. Cioce said. “I’m proud that this program will begin in my hometown and expect that it will successfully prove to a model for the rest of the county and state to follow.”

Members of the Moorestown Fire Department will discuss the program during the college’s next Facebook Live Town Hall at 1 p.m. on July 29. Viewers can submit questions throughout the livestream and at rcbc.edu/coronavirus.

“Serving the community as a volunteer firefighter offers many rewarding experiences, and we are pleased to add another reason to join us while attending classes at one of the top community colleges in the nation,” Moorestown Fire District Administrator and Public Information Officer Christopher M. Chesner said. “The Moorestown Fire Department College Duty Crew program is open to anyone who has completed their Firefighter I certification, and we look forward to welcoming firefighter to our company and helping them earn college degrees.”

This initiative is part of an existing partnership between the Moorestown Fire Department and Rowan College at Burlington County College, with a goal of expanding to more communities as a way to bolster volunteerism and scholarship.

You do not need to live in Moorestown, nor leave your current fire company. Firefighters who belong to another volunteer company will need the company’s chief’s permission. To be considered for the program, candidates must:

• Have a New Jersey Division of Fire Service Firefighter I Certification.
• Commit to volunteer 16 hours per week as a Moorestown firefighter for the semester in which the tuition credit is applied.
• Maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average.
• $1,500 will be applied to the participant’s out-of-pocket tuition bill but does not cover fees or books.